Market Report

1. Price Trends

• Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) prices remained mostly stable this week. Small to medium-sized factories dealt ilmenite at prices between $315-318 per ton. The prices for ilmenite of different grades varied, with 47%-20% grade priced between $324-343 per ton, and 38%-42% grade (excluding tax) quoted at $218-224 per ton.
• Due to high raw material prices, manufacturers maintained strong quotations. The high position of ilmenite prices has put pressure on the cost of downstream enterprises, causing them to be cautious in their purchases. This has resulted in a larger pressure on market shipments.

2. Market Influences

• The market witnessed a high run of titanium mine prices, along with a stark cost pressure for downstream enterprises. This has led to a strong sentiment of price reduction amongst enterprises and a more cautious approach towards procurement.
• Given the high demand in the downstream titanium dioxide and sponge titanium markets, the import market of titanium ore continued to operate steadily. The price of Mozambique titanium ore was around $51 per ton, and the price of Kenyan 47%-49% mine was around $50 per ton.

3. TiO2 Pigment Market Dynamics

• Despite the high cost pressure, the titanium slag market maintained weak and stable operation. The price of 90% Low-Calcium Magnesium High-Titanium Slag was between $1120-1130 per ton.
• The Chinese rutile type titanium dioxide factory price stood between $2290-2516 per ton, and the anatase type titanium dioxide factory price was between $2120-2191 per ton. However, the market demand is not optimistic.

4. April Outlook

• Given the high prices of raw material titanium ore and sulfuric acid, production pressure for titanium dioxide is high. The mainstream prices of titanium dioxide are temporarily stable, but the market sentiment is cautious and demand is weak. It is expected that the price of titanium dioxide may adjust in the future.