PHILADELPHIA — Jacobi Carbons Inc., a major producer of activated carbon for the water treatment market and carbons for other industries, said in a recent letter to customers that it will be increasing prices by 20 percent to 50 percent on all of its coal-based activated carbons made in China.
Jacobi National Sales Manager James J. Knepper said in the letter the increase would be effective June 1.
Knepper explained that the price increases have been prompted by increases in costs in several areas: a soaring price for Chinese coal due to increasing demand without corresponding increases in supply; a rise in ocean freight costs by an average 25 percent due to the rising cost of fuel for ships; the weakening of the US dollar against Chinese currency; and a 70 percent anti-dumping tariff on Chinese activated carbon products, imposed last year by the US government.
Knepper said in the letter that Jacobi did everything possible to preserve its pricing, but ran out of alternatives and has been forced to increase prices.
“Since this situation does not seem to be temporary, we will be pleased to work with you on lower-cost alternative products, such as coconut shell carbon,” the company told its customers. It said company sales representatives would be contacting customers very soon to discuss the situation.
