Buyer Summary: The China TiO₂ Market remained under pressure this week as weak downstream demand, high operating rates, and limited new-order growth widened the gap between producer quotations and actual transaction prices. While existing export orders continue to support some manufacturers, inventory pressure is increasing at others. Lower domestic ilmenite prices provide partial cost relief, while divergent sulfuric acid trends offer limited overall cost support. Japan’s anti-dumping investigation and the UK’s proposed trade measures have added uncertainty to export markets. Near-term TiO₂ prices are expected to remain weak, with further modest downside possible.
1. Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) Market Analysis
- Downstream demand from coatings, plastics, and construction-related sectors remained weak. Buyers continued to prioritize essential purchases, inquiries were limited, and new orders were generally small and negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
- Industry operating rates remained relatively high. Major producers and chloride-process manufacturers continued to benefit from existing orders and export demand, while some smaller manufacturers faced declining order backlogs and increasing shipment pressure. Inventory conditions varied among producers, with some major manufacturers also carrying elevated stocks.
- Although export orders continue to provide an important source of support, increasing trade-policy uncertainty may complicate future sales to overseas markets. The combination of weak domestic demand and potential export restrictions is limiting the market’s recovery prospects.
| Product | Previous Week (38th Week, 2026) |
Current Week (39th 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.