Market Report
1. Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) Market Analysis
- This week, China’s TiO₂ market remained broadly stable, with overall quotations holding firm amid persistently high production costs.
- Producers continue to face severe cost pressure and ongoing production losses, significantly limiting their willingness to offer price concessions.
- Domestic demand remains seasonally weak, with transactions mainly driven by just-in-time purchasing rather than proactive restocking.
| Product | Price Range (USD/MT) | Change vs Last Week |
|---|---|---|
| Rutile-grade TiO₂ (incl. tax) | $1,930 – $2,010 | No change |
| Anatase-grade TiO₂ (incl. tax) | $1,760 – $1,850 | No change |
2. Titanium Dioxide Pigment Market Trends
- Sulfuric acid prices in China have already exceeded CNY 1,000/ton, sharply increasing cost pressure on sulfate-route TiO₂ producers.
- With upstream raw-material markets remaining tight, further sulfuric acid price increases are widely expected, reinforcing the cost-push dynamic.
- Despite relatively high operating rates, profitability remains under significant strain as rising raw-material costs continue to absorb margins.
- Export sentiment improved following India’s suspension of anti-dumping duties on Chinese-origin TiO₂, though exporters remain cautious amid global demand uncertainty.
3. Market Forecast
- Cost Support: Elevated and rising sulfuric acid prices will continue to provide strong cost support for TiO₂ prices.
- Price Direction: Persistent production losses increase the likelihood of further price increase attempts, even in a weak demand environment.
- Short-Term Outlook: TiO₂ prices are expected to remain firm to slightly upward-biased, driven primarily by cost-side pressures rather than demand recovery.
