Car tires are becoming scarce and more expensive - because the raw material carbon black comes from Russia
Created: 05/05/2022, 12:08 p.m
By: Marcus Efler
Frankfurt am Main – Russia's attack on Ukraine not only causes an incredible amount of human suffering, but also causes the economy to stumble.
The automotive industry is particularly affected: there are repeated production stops because important parts such as wiring harnesses are not supplied, and as a result delivery times are now absurd.
The disrupted economic relations with Russia are also having an effect.
Now there is also a risk of a shortage of particularly important parts, which are not only required for the production of new cars, which are becoming increasingly expensive, but which drivers also have to change regularly, namely car tyres.
The reason for this is a raw material that most would probably not even classify as particularly desirable or scarce: carbon black.
Car tires are becoming scarce and more expensive - because the raw material carbon black comes from Russia
This chemical, which mainly consists of carbon, is in demand in the electronics industry, for example, because of its conductivity, and cosmetics manufacturers stir it into mascara sticks.
Battery manufacturers use it for lithium-ion batteries, like those found in many electric cars.
And in the rubber compound of tires, it is an important filler that also gives it its typical black color.
Tires will probably soon become more expensive.
(Iconic image) © Julian Stratenschulte/dpa
"Carbon black is an indispensable material for our production and so far more than a third comes from Russia," explains Boris Engelhardt, General Manager of the German Rubber Industry Association.
Although the tire manufacturers are already looking for suppliers in other countries, the industry association fears having to “live with the shortage for a year”.
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Car tires are becoming scarce and more expensive - price increases in winter at the latest
The French tire manufacturer Michelin (which had presented an almost airless, puncture-proof tire at the Munich IAA) reduced production shortly after the invasion.
And tire manufacturer Conti from Hanover has lowered its profit forecast significantly because it fears shortages and thus higher costs – both of which should reach customers in the next winter tire season at the latest.
In some cases, tire prices rose by up to 15 percent in the spring, as the “Spiegel” writes.
Along with expensive fuel and rising insurance premiums, tires are thus joining the price drivers for driving.
