TiO₂ Price Forecast: Rising Inventories May Keep China Titanium Dioxide Prices Under Pressure (2026-07-03 to 2026-07-10)

Buyer Summary: The China TiO₂ market remained weak as soft downstream demand, rising factory inventories, and abundant supply continued to pressure transaction prices. Sulfuric acid costs stayed high, but lower ilmenite prices and intense competition created further room for negotiation, so buyers may continue to see differentiated quotations in the near term.

1. Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) Market Analysis

• The Titanium Dioxide Price continued to weaken this week, with some suppliers reducing quotations further as shipment pressure and inventory levels increased.
• The price gap between high-end and low-end TiO₂ products exceeded USD 290/ton in some transactions, reflecting significant differences in supplier inventory, cost structure, and order pressure.
• Factory inventories continued to rise while most producers maintained normal or high operating rates. One producer in Southwest China suspended production, but higher operating rates in Shandong and stable production elsewhere kept overall TiO₂ supply sufficient.
• Chloride-process TiO₂ prices also moved lower, increasing competition across the China TiO₂ Market. Most transactions remained negotiable on a case-by-case basis.

Product	Price Index (25nd Week, 2026)
Anatase	131-131
Rutile	133-133

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

• Ilmenite prices continued to decline, with some domestic quotations falling by approximately USD 4–7/ton. Lower titanium feedstock costs provided limited relief to TiO₂ producers, but weak downstream demand remained the dominant market pressure.
• Sulfuric acid prices remained high but showed regional divergence. Current prices are approximately USD 244–261/ton for 98% smelting acid delivered in Yunnan, USD 286–312/ton for 98% smelting acid ex-works in Fujian, and USD 266–288/ton for 98% smelting acid delivered in Guizhou.
• Tight sulfur supply and elevated sulfur prices continued to support sulfuric acid costs. However, weaker demand from phosphate fertilizer and chemical sectors increased shipment pressure for some acid producers and led to limited downward adjustments in selected regions.
• For TiO₂ producers, the combination of firm sulfuric acid costs and falling product prices continued to compress margins. Some low-priced TiO₂ transactions were already approaching production cost levels.

3. Market Forecast

• The TiO₂ Price Forecast remains weak in the near term, as rising inventories, sufficient supply, and slow downstream demand are likely to keep transaction prices under pressure.
• Further sharp declines may be limited by high sulfuric acid costs and narrowing producer margins, but lower ilmenite prices could provide additional room for selected suppliers to offer more competitive quotations.
• Market differentiation is expected to continue, with suppliers facing higher inventory pressure likely to negotiate more aggressively than producers with stronger cost control or lower stock levels.
• For buyers, the current market may offer favorable negotiation opportunities. However, quotations should be reviewed carefully because regional sulfuric acid costs and supplier inventory positions may lead to frequent price changes.

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