TiO₂ Price Forecast: Price Hike Wave and Strong Orders Keep Market Firm Despite Cautious Demand (2026-09-11 to 2026-09-18)

Buyer Summary: The China TiO₂ Market strengthened this week as a broader price-hike wave improved market sentiment, producer shipments increased, and many factories secured orders extending into next month. Low-end quotations became less available and inventories declined at some producers. However, downstream buyers remain cautious and the “Golden September” demand recovery is still moderate rather than strong. Near-term TiO₂ prices are therefore expected to remain firm, supported by orders, lower inventories, and resilient raw material costs.

1. Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) Market Analysis

• The TiO₂ market remained firm this week as the recent price-increase wave encouraged downstream restocking and improved producer shipments. Many factories reported stronger order intake, with some production schedules extending into next month.
• Low-end market quotations became less available as producer inventories declined and new-order pricing turned firmer. Export demand also remained supportive, helping producers maintain stronger pricing discipline.
• At the same time, downstream buyers remained relatively cautious and some customers continued to adopt a wait-and-see approach. September demand has improved only moderately so far, meaning the current market strength is being driven by both restocking and producer price support rather than a broad surge in end-use demand.

Product	Previous Week (34nd Week, 2026)	Current Week (35nd Week, 2026)	Weekly Change
Anatase	127	129	+2
Rutile	129	131	+2

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 remained broadly stable. The TiO₂ price-increase wave stimulated additional raw material purchasing, while low mine operating rates and firm production costs continued to support miner quotations.
• Panzhihua 46% ilmenite was approximately USD 174–179/ton, while 47% ilmenite was around USD 179–189/ton. However, downstream cost pressure remained significant, limiting the potential for a substantial ilmenite price increase in the near term.
• Imported ilmenite remained comparatively weak. Mozambique material was around USD 220–230/ton CIF, Vietnam B-grade material USD 200–215/ton FOB, and Australian material USD 220–240/ton CIF. High inventories and cautious purchasing continued to pressure the imported market.
• Domestic sulfuric acid prices continued to decline as supply remained ample and downstream purchasing stayed cautious. Current 98% smelting acid prices were approximately USD 211–225/ton in Sichuan and USD 167–171/ton in Anhui, while sulfur-based acid in Sichuan was around USD 334–349/ton.
• Although sulfuric acid prices softened further, TiO₂ producers continue to face relatively firm ilmenite and other auxiliary material costs. Combined with improving orders and lower inventories, the decline in sulfuric acid alone is unlikely to translate into renewed broad TiO₂ price reductions.

3. Market Forecast

• The near-term TiO₂ Price Forecast remains firm. The recent price-hike wave, stronger order intake, lower producer inventories, and reduced availability of low-priced material are supporting current quotations.
• Many producers now have orders extending into next month, giving manufacturers greater confidence to defend new quotations. This reduces the likelihood of another broad round of aggressive price reductions in the short term.
• However, the market remains in a supply-demand tug-of-war. September demand has improved only moderately, and cautious downstream purchasing may limit the speed and magnitude of further price increases.
• Domestic ilmenite prices are expected to remain broadly stable as stronger TiO₂ raw material demand is balanced by continued cost pressure among downstream producers. Sulfuric acid may remain weak, but its impact on overall TiO₂ production costs is becoming less decisive.
• If downstream restocking continues and producer inventories decline further, current price increases could become more firmly established. For buyers, procurement opportunities remain, but waiting for significantly lower quotations now carries greater uncertainty than in previous weeks.

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