TiO₂ Price Forecast: Production Cuts May Help Prices Remain Stable

Buyer Summary: The China TiO₂ Market remained subdued as weak downstream demand, rising inventories, and intense supplier competition continued to affect transactions. However, production reductions at more than 20 plants and prices approaching production cost levels may help prevent a broader decline. Buyers may continue to receive differentiated quotations, while the next market direction will largely depend on pricing decisions by leading manufacturers.

1. Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) Market Analysis

• Downstream operating rates and TiO₂ purchasing demand remained low. Producers continued to face considerable shipment pressure, while increasing numbers of low-priced offers widened the price gap between suppliers.
• More than 20 TiO₂ plants reduced or suspended production during the month because of weak market conditions and equipment maintenance. Although factory inventories remained elevated, the decline in operating rates may gradually help ease supply pressure.
• Ilmenite and sulfuric acid prices softened slightly, providing limited cost relief. However, TiO₂ prices had already declined faster than raw material costs, leaving some lower-priced products close to production cost levels.
• China’s TiO₂ export market remained a significant source of support. June 2026 exports reached 185,300 tons, representing year-on-year growth of 40.43%. Total exports during the first half of 2026 reached 1.0684 million tons, up 16.56% year on year, with chloride-process TiO₂ showing stronger export performance.
• The domestic market remained highly differentiated, with transactions generally negotiated case by case. Market participants are closely watching the pricing decisions of leading titanium dioxide manufacturers, while current mainstream quotations remain broadly stable.

Product	Price Index (27th Week, 2026)
Anatase	130-130
Rutile	132-132

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

• Domestic ilmenite prices continued to weaken, with some quotations declining by approximately USD 4/ton. Falling TiO₂ operating rates and cautious raw material purchasing kept ilmenite transactions subdued.
• Sulfuric acid prices declined in several regions, with some reductions reaching approximately USD 22/ton. Current prices are around USD 240–254/ton for 98% smelting acid ex-works in Henan and USD 237–248/ton for 98% smelting acid delivered in Yunnan.
• Reduced demand from TiO₂ producers lowered sulfuric acid shipment volumes and pushed new-order prices downward in selected regions, particularly in Central and Eastern China.
• Further sulfuric acid weakness may remain limited because fertilizer demand continued to provide some support, several previously idled acid plants had not restarted, and producers showed limited willingness to make additional price reductions.
• Although lower ilmenite and sulfuric acid prices eased part of the production burden, the reduction in TiO₂ selling prices remained greater than the decline in raw material costs, keeping producer margins under pressure.

3. Market Forecast

• The near-term TiO₂ Price Forecast is expected to remain weak but broadly stable, as low domestic demand continues to be balanced by production cuts and prices approaching cost levels.
• Production reductions at more than 20 plants may gradually ease supply and inventory pressure, although the immediate effect is likely to remain limited while new-order activity stays subdued.
• Mainstream TiO₂ prices are expected to remain relatively stable in the short term. Selective adjustments may still occur among producers facing greater inventory pressure, but the scope for broad price reductions appears limited.
• The pricing decisions of leading titanium dioxide manufacturers will be an important signal for the next market direction. Without a clear adjustment from major producers, most suppliers are likely to maintain current price levels and negotiate individual orders separately.
• Strong export volumes may continue to absorb part of China’s TiO₂ output, especially for chloride-process products, providing some support against weak domestic demand.
• For buyers, the current market may continue to offer negotiation opportunities. Procurement decisions should consider supplier inventory, production status, product route, delivery reliability, and potential changes in leading manufacturer quotations.

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