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.

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