Titanium Dioxide Industry Perspective Weekly-2024-12-27 to 2025-01-03 - Tinox Chemie GmbH, Your TiO2 specialist from Dusseldorf Germany

Market Report

1. Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Market Analysis

The titanium dioxide market is experiencing price stability, with top manufacturers adjusting prices to align with market conditions. The January official listing price from leading companies has been lowered by approximately $27.42 per ton, with previous end-of-December discounts being removed.
As of now, the ex-factory price for Chinese rutile titanium dioxide ranges between $1,942 to $2,038 per ton, while anatase titanium dioxide is priced between $1,751 to $1,860 per ton.
Despite initial positive sales in December, overall end-user demand remains weak. Some companies have started routine maintenance, affecting production levels.

This week, the titanium dioxide pigment market has been generally stable, although some enterprises have opted to adjust prices slightly upwards by $68.55 per ton.
High raw material costs, such as ilmenite and sulfuric acid, continue to exert pressure on production costs, keeping company pricing close to the breakeven point.
The market is characterized by a cautious sentiment, with some enterprises limiting new orders as they await a clearer market direction.

There is an expectation for titanium ore supply to remain tight, potentially driving prices higher.
Currently, industry players are relatively cautious and are taking a wait-and-see approach to the future market development. After a round of concentrated purchasing, most buyers have returned to purchasing as needed, with limited enthusiasm for stockpiling. Sellers find it difficult to close deals with higher quotes. The supply side is still transitioning from replenishing to depleting inventory, so short-term price changes are limited. Overall, while there is an expectation of rising costs, the demand support is limited. The titanium dioxide market lacks sufficient positive support, and in the short term, it may primarily consolidate sideways.
The market for sponge titanium is stable, with firm pricing as companies fulfill existing orders.