TiO₂ Price Forecast: Weak Demand Keeps Prices Under Pressure Despite Order and Export Support (2026-10-09 to 2026-10-16)

Buyer Summary: The China TiO₂ Market remained weak but broadly stable this week. “Silver October” demand has been weaker than expected, with downstream buyers mainly purchasing on a need basis and new-order activity remaining limited. Existing orders and export demand continue to support major producers, while inventory pressure is becoming increasingly differentiated across manufacturers. Lower ilmenite prices and mixed sulfuric acid trends have provided some cost relief, but have not yet triggered broad price reductions. Meanwhile, the UK’s proposed anti-dumping measures on Chinese rutile TiO₂ add further uncertainty to export markets. Near-term TiO₂ prices are therefore expected to remain weak and stable, with limited room for a meaningful rebound without stronger demand.

1. Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) Market Analysis

• The TiO₂ market remained broadly stable this week, with producers generally maintaining current quotations despite cautious downstream demand.
• “Silver October” demand has remained weaker than expected. Downstream buyers continued to focus mainly on essential purchases, while new-order growth remained limited and transactions were largely negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
• Major producers and chloride-process manufacturers continue to benefit from existing orders and export demand, while some smaller producers are facing greater pressure as their order backlogs decline.
• Producer inventories are increasingly differentiated. Manufacturers with stronger order support remain relatively stable, while others are under greater pressure to secure new orders and shipments.
• The property interest subsidy policy implemented on October 1 may eventually support construction, renovation, and coatings demand, but its impact on TiO₂ consumption is expected to take time to materialize.

Product	Previous Week (37th Week, 2026)	Current Week (38th Week, 2026)	Weekly Change
Anatase	129	129	0
Rutile	131	131	0

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 as supply remained sufficient and downstream TiO₂ producers maintained strong cost-control pressure. The softer raw-material market is providing some cost relief, but has not yet resulted in broad TiO₂ price reductions.
• Sulfuric acid prices showed regional divergence, with some markets supported by tighter supply while others remained under pressure. Overall, sulfuric acid is providing mixed cost signals and remains a secondary factor in the current TiO₂ price trend.
• The UK Trade Remedies Authority has proposed a five-year anti-dumping measure on Chinese rutile TiO₂. Cooperating exporters would face a proposed duty of 48.29% or a minimum of £0.665/kg, while other Chinese exporters would face 63.66% or a minimum of £0.876/kg, whichever results in the higher duty. The measure remains subject to the UK’s final decision.
• LB Group has also extended the deadline for signing definitive transaction documents for its proposed acquisition of approximately 80% of the Durack and Yandanooka mineral sands projects in Australia from October 7 to October 31, 2026. The project is intended to strengthen long-term titanium concentrate supply, highlighting continued upstream resource integration among major TiO₂ producers.

3. Market Forecast

• The near-term TiO₂ Price Forecast remains weak but broadly stable. Without a meaningful improvement in downstream demand, the market has limited momentum for another broad price increase.
• Existing orders and export demand should continue to provide a floor for major producers, while weaker order books may leave smaller manufacturers more exposed to shipment and pricing pressure.
• Lower domestic ilmenite prices and mixed sulfuric acid conditions are reducing cost pressure for some producers, but current cost relief is not sufficient on its own to drive a broad decline in TiO₂ prices.
• The UK trade measure introduces an additional risk for Chinese rutile TiO₂ exports and could influence future export flows and regional pricing strategies if implemented.
• For buyers, a flexible procurement strategy remains appropriate. A strong price rebound appears unlikely without better demand, while substantial downside may also be limited by producer cost structures and existing orders.

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