How Tariffs and Rising Raw Material Costs Are Impacting Coconut Shell Activated Carbon Prices — and Why Coal-Based Carbon May Be a Viable Alternative
In recent years, the global activated carbon market has seen significant shifts, especially in the supply and pricing of coconut shell-based activated carbon. This type of carbon, known for its effectiveness in removing small organic molecules in liquid and vapor phase applications, has become increasingly expensive.
The reasons? A combination of rising raw material costs and international tariffs that are driving up prices and creating uncertainty in the supply chain.
For industries that depend on activated carbon, these changes have real operational consequences. At General Carbon, we’re here to break down what’s happening, compare coconut shell and coal-based alternatives, and help you make the best decision for your application.
What Is Coconut Shell Activated Carbon?
Coconut shell activated carbon is a highly porous adsorbent derived from coconut shells. It’s renowned for its high surface area and significant microporosity, making it especially effective at removing small organic molecules and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
This material is widely used in drinking water purification, air filtration, and food processing due to its purity. Its renewable raw material source is also considered more environmentally friendly.
Why Are Coconut Shell Carbon Prices Rising?
The rising cost of coconut shell activated carbon can be traced to two main factors: tariffs and the rising cost of raw materials. The combination of these reasons has led to significant price increases for coconut shell activated carbon, making it less accessible for some industries.
Tariffs
U.S. tariffs on carbon imports from certain countries, combined with increased shipping and logistics costs, have made coconut shell carbon significantly more expensive for North American buyers. These geopolitical dynamics add uncertainty and volatility to pricing and availability.
If you have more questions about tariffs, read our statement on the 2025 tariff situation here.
Increased Raw Material Costs
The global demand for coconuts has surged drastically — not just for carbon but also for food, oil, and cosmetics industries. In addition, demand for coconut shell carbon has been high from the sodium-ion battery and gold mining industries.
While the demand has increased, the supply of the raw materials has faced a significant reduction. Southeast Asia, a major global producer of coconut shells, saw a bad harvest in 2024 due to unprecedented droughts. High demand and low supply have driven up costs for carbon manufacturers.
Coal-Based Activated Carbon: A Practical Alternative
Coal-based activated carbon is produced from bituminous or anthracite coal. Its pore structure is more varied and contains a mix of micro-, meso-, and macropores. This diversity enables it to adsorb a broader range of molecule sizes, making it suitable for both liquid and vapor phase applications across various industries.
Coal-based activated carbon is less affected by the coconut supply chain and is not subject to the same tariffs. Its broader pore size distribution makes it a flexible alternative, especially when cost is a concern or when the application requires the removal of a wider range of contaminants.
Coconut Shell Activated Carbon vs. Coal-Based Activated Carbon
While both coconut shell and coal-based activated carbons are widely used for purification and adsorption, they differ significantly in their raw materials, pore structures, and performance characteristics. Understanding these differences is crucial when selecting the right carbon for your specific process requirements.
Key Differences
The following table highlights the key differences between coconut shell activated carbon and coal-based activated carbon.
| Property | Coconut Shell Activated Carbon | Coal-Based Activated Carbon |
| Raw Material | Coconut shells (renewable) | Bituminous/anthracite coal |
| Pore Size Distribution | Primarily micropores (small) | Micro-, meso-, and macropores |
| Best For | Small organic molecule removal | Broad spectrum of molecule sizes |
| Sustainability | High | Moderate |
| Ash Content | Low | Higher |
| Hardness | High | Moderate |
| Example Product | GC 8x30S & GC 4x8S | GC 8×30 & GC 4x8B |
Which One Is Better for Liquid and Vapor Phase Applications?
The answer depends on your specific application and the molecular characteristics of the contaminants you’re targeting.
Since coconut shell carbon doesn’t have any large pores and very few medium pores, it’s best for removing small molecules. Typically (though not always), vapor phase applications remove smaller molecules, so coconut carbon is preferred.
Alternatively, since carbon-based coal has a varied pore structure, it can remove a wide range of organic contaminants. Often in liquid phase applications, particularly in remediation sites, coal based carbon is the most appropriate.
However, it’s important to note that there are cases where coconut shell carbon is the right choice in liquid phase applications. We understand how confusing this can be, so contact our experts here at General Carbon to discuss your options.
Industrial Applications
Both coconut shell and coal-based activated carbons play vital roles across a wide array of industries. The choice between them often depends on the specific contaminants to be removed, regulatory requirements, and cost considerations. Selecting the most suitable activated carbon can significantly impact process efficiency and final product quality.
The following table provides some examples of coconut shell and coal-based carbons at work in various industrial applications.
| Application | Preferred Carbon Type | Reason | Example Product |
| Drinking water purification | Coconut shell | Superior removal of small organics | GC 12x40S |
| Air and vapor phase applications | Coconut shell | Smaller pore size captures small molecules | GC 4x8S |
| Food and beverage processing | Coconut shell | Low ash, high purity that produces clean taste profile | GC 12x40S & GC 12x40SAW |
| Industrial wastewater treatment | Coal-based | Effective for diverse contaminants | GC 12×40 & GC 8×30 |
| Industrial solvent recovery | Coal-based | Broad pore size distribution | GC C-40 |
| Pharmaceutical manufacturing | Coconut shell | High purity, efficient small molecule adsorption | GC 12x40S & GC Powdered S* |
*Please note that due to tariffs and global demand, coconut shell carbon has limited availability.
Find the Right Activated Carbon for Your Needs
While coconut shell activated carbon has long been the go-to for many adsorption applications, its rising costs and availability concerns are pushing some industries to re-evaluate. Coal-based activated carbon offers a versatile and cost-effective alternative, particularly when targeting a wide range of contaminant sizes.
Not sure which carbon is right for your system? Call General Carbon today at (973) 523-2223. Our team has decades of experience helping clients across industries identify the right activated carbon for their unique needs. Whether you’re battling price increases, supply disruptions, or new contaminant challenges, we have the expertise to help you make the best choice.