(June 4, 2026) Against the backdrop of tightening global carbon controls and accelerated iteration of emerging downstream materials, the domestic silica industry has broken free from the constraints of traditional tire raw material single development. Modified specialized silica and low-carbon rice-husk-based silica have become the main revenue drivers in foreign trade. The industry's development logic has shifted from "competing on capacity and low prices" to "competing on formulas and low-carbon qualifications."

According to the latest customs statistics, in early June, the volume of special modified silica foreign trade orders increased by 22% month-on-month. Buyers from Europe, the US, Japan, and South Korea prioritize domestic products with carbon footprint certification. Even though the quoted price is 15%~25% higher than ordinary precipitated silica, the order delivery cycle is still scheduled until the third quarter. Compared to the intensified export competition of conventional rubber silica, bio-based silica produced from agricultural and forestry waste has successfully avoided the EU carbon border tax, becoming a key category for domestic chemical companies to break through overseas markets. Many silicon chemical companies in East and South China have suspended expansion plans for low-end general silica and instead focused on bio-based intelligent production lines.

The demand landscape has shifted significantly. Traditional rubber and footwear sectors have become more conservative in purchasing silica, with rigid demand concentrated in four emerging areas: lithium battery coatings, silicone seals, industrial anti-corrosion coatings, and cosmetic fillers. Driven by the expansion of the energy storage industry, high-porosity silica specifically for lithium battery separators is in short supply. Many leading companies have maintained a capacity utilization rate of over 95% for customized products, freeing niche high-end categories from raw material cost constraints and continuously improving profitability.

On the cost side, supported by a slight correction in industrial silicon and soda ash raw materials, the production cost of modified silica has slightly declined, further amplifying the cost-performance advantage of domestic products. Industry analysts say that as global low-carbon regulations continue to improve, the survival space for small and medium-sized white carbon black factories lacking environmental upgrades and severe product homogenization will continue to shrink. Industry resources will accelerate the concentration of industry resources toward leading companies with R&D, low-carbon, and customized service capabilities. Segmented differentiation will be the core profit driver for the white carbon black industry in the second half of the year.