TiO₂ Price Forecast: Weak Demand and Ample Supply Keep Market Under Pressure (2026-11-06 to 2026-11-13)
Buyer Summary: The China TiO₂ Market remained weak this week as seasonal demand continued to decline, while high operating rates and sufficient supply intensified competition among producers. Some manufacturers have already adjusted their quotations downward, while others continue to maintain relatively stable prices. Although further price reductions appear increasingly likely this month, manufacturers are generally reluctant to be the first to cut prices. The latest pricing positions of individual producers are expected to become clearer after CHINACOAT. Meanwhile, lower ilmenite and sulfuric acid prices have weakened production cost support, while overseas anti-dumping measures continue to affect export sentiment. Near-term TiO₂ prices are expected to remain under pressure.
1. Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) Market Analysis
- The TiO₂ market remained weak this week, with some manufacturers making further price adjustments. Downstream demand from coatings, plastics, and other end-use industries continued to be sluggish as the traditional off-season approached. Buyers mainly focused on immediate requirements, while new-order activity remained limited.
- Industry operating rates remained relatively high, keeping market supply sufficient. Some manufacturers continued to face considerable inventory pressure, while competition for new orders intensified. Lower-priced offers became more common, and actual transactions were increasingly negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
- Export demand continued to provide support for selected manufacturers, but overseas anti-dumping measures have increased uncertainty for Chinese suppliers. Some export cargoes have reportedly returned to the domestic market, adding to local competition and shipment pressure.
- Market quotations remain differentiated among manufacturers. Although further price reductions are increasingly expected this month, most producers are reluctant to take the initiative and become the first to lower their quotations. As a result, some brands continue to maintain relatively stable prices despite the broader downward market pressure. The latest pricing strategies of individual manufacturers are expected to become clearer after CHINACOAT.
| Product | Previous Week (41st Week, 2026) |
Current Week (42nd Week, 2026) |
Weekly Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anatase | 127 | 127 | 0 |
| Rutile | 129 | 129 | 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
- Raw material costs: Domestic ilmenite prices continued to weaken, with Panzhihua 46% material trading at approximately USD 148–152/ton. Imported ilmenite also remained under pressure amid high port inventories and sufficient supply. Lower raw material prices have further weakened cost support for sulfate-process TiO₂ producers.
- Production cost trends: Sulfuric acid prices continued to decline in several regions, adding to the easing of production costs for sulfate-process manufacturers. By contrast, titanium tetrachloride prices remained relatively stable at approximately USD 813–871/ton, providing some cost support for chloride-process production.
- Production and supply development: Jinpu Titanium's subsidiary, Xuzhou Titanium White, completed environmental rectification work and resumed feeding its rutile TiO₂ production line on November 9. The subsequent production processes are being restarted progressively. The resumption restores some production capacity, although no specific output figures have been disclosed.
3. Market Forecast
- The near-term TiO₂ Price Forecast remains weak, with further downward pressure possible. Traditional off-season demand, sufficient supply, and increasing inventory pressure are likely to continue weighing on market quotations and actual transaction prices.
- Producer competition is expected to remain intense. Although further price adjustments appear increasingly likely this month, manufacturers generally prefer to wait rather than take the lead in reducing quotations. Consequently, some brands may maintain their current pricing temporarily, even as market pressure increases.
- Following CHINACOAT, the latest pricing positions of individual manufacturers are expected to become clearer. Differences in inventory levels, order backlogs, and sales targets will likely determine which producers adjust their quotations and the extent of any price reductions.
- Lower ilmenite and sulfuric acid prices are weakening the cost support for sulfate-process TiO₂. Combined with limited downstream purchasing activity, the current raw material environment provides little immediate momentum for a broad price recovery.
- Overseas anti-dumping measures remain an important concern for Chinese TiO₂ exporters. If export shipments face further restrictions, additional supply could be redirected toward the domestic market, potentially intensifying competition among manufacturers.
- For buyers, the current market provides opportunities for more flexible negotiations, particularly when purchasing from manufacturers facing inventory pressure. A demand-led procurement strategy remains advisable, with close attention to brand-specific quotations and actual transaction prices rather than relying solely on published list prices.
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