Market Report

1. Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) Market Analysis

• Following last week’s increase letter from Ningbo Xinfu, Shandong Dongjia announced another round of increases from May 18, raising domestic prices by about USD 145/ton and export prices by USD 150/ton, sending a clear firm-price signal to the market.
• However, downstream demand remained weak, social inventory still existed in the market, and the approaching off-season increased shipment pressure, so transaction prices became more differentiated and most deals remained negotiable case by case.
• At present, the market remains in a tense stalemate, and most buyers are purchasing cautiously.

Product	Price Index (19th Week, 2026)
Anatase	133-135
Rutile	135-137

Price Index Methodology: The Price Index is calculated based on the average prices of the top 10 producers in China, with the base value set at 100 as of January 1, 2026.

2. Titanium Dioxide Pigment Market Trends

• The recent TiO₂ market is still mainly supported by sulfur, sulfuric acid, and firm ilmenite costs, which are keeping overall production costs at a high level.
• Current sulfuric acid prices are about USD 240–254/ton for 98% smelting acid delivered in Guangxi, USD 205–213/ton for 98% smelting acid delivered in Yunnan, and USD 319–375/ton for 98% sulfur-based acid ex-works in Shandong.
• Sulfuric acid prices continued to diverge by region: sulfur-based acid remained firm to higher because sulfur costs stayed elevated and fertilizer supply policies reduced operating rates at some sulfur-burning acid plants, while smelting acid in Yunnan, Guangxi, and nearby areas softened due to weaker downstream demand, higher local supply, and low-priced cargo spillover.
• At the same time, high sulfur costs, difficulties in sulfur procurement for integrated acid units, and equipment maintenance led to output cuts or shutdowns at more than ten TiO₂ producers, although overall industry operating rates still remained relatively high.

3. Market Forecast

• In the short term, the titanium dioxide market is expected to remain firm rather than move sharply higher across the board.
• Raw material costs are still the main support, so producers will continue to show a strong willingness to hold prices.
• However, the off-season, cautious downstream buying, and growing shipment pressure may keep transactions differentiated and limit the pace of further increases.
• Overall, TiO₂ prices are likely to stay stable at high levels, while further upside expectations remain if raw material pressure persists.

Market Notice: Due to high market volatility, prices are subject to frequent adjustments. For the most accurate and up-to-the-minute data, please consult info@tinoxchem.de.

• For more reports: TiO₂ Market Report