Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Price Trend and Forecast

Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

Titanium Dioxide Price Trend for the Q1 of 2024

Asia

The Chinese titanium dioxide market remained subdued during the spring festival holidays, with most manufacturing firms undergoing maintenance shutdowns in the first quarter of 2024. As a result, the spot prices of titanium dioxide in China during the said period moved slightly from 2307 USD/MT to 2377 USD/MT. However, the stockpiles of previous quarters were carried forward in Q1'24 but were insufficient in catering to the demand of downstream industries, particularly from the overseas market players.

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The Asian supply chains were further impacted by the rerouting of container shipments via the Cape of Good Hope and port visit cancellations to optimize ship round trip times, particularly in northern China. This situation further prompted the traders to take on alternative transportation methods, increasing transit times of southern ports like Shanghai and Ningbo. However, the termination of the quarter and holiday season in the region brought hope for titanium dioxide prices as with the restart of industrial processes and expansion of the gap between supply and demand sectors of the Asian countries, the trajectory of prices started to improve.

Europe

In the first quarter of 2024, the titanium dioxide market in Europe had a slight price incline towards the end of the quarter after remaining passive through most of it. This uptick was primarily influenced by the holiday season slowdown in the last quarter and constrained manufacturing capacity which drained the existing inventories. Also, ongoing concerns about reduced mining activities continue to address a negative impact on the region's raw materials supply.

To further intensify the supply crisis, force majeure events at major manufacturing plants of Venator LLC in the USA and Lomon Billions Group in China, along with disruptions in the Red Sea region, elevated transportation costs globally. However, the downstream industries, such as paints and coatings, moved with caution amid the oscillating dynamics of the market, which might hinder the growth rate of titanium dioxide prices in the long run.

North America

The North American traders of titanium dioxide witnessed a phase of transition in its pricing trajectory as the downstream demand inclined, although slowly, showing major improvement as compared to previous quarters. Tronox noted a significant movement in the sales figures of TiO2 with a surge in demand across all end markets, including coatings, paper, plastics, and specialties, as consumer purchasing activities were closely linked with the improvement in the American economy. In view of this, the manufacturers also improved their operating rates to lower their dependence on overseas producers.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Titanium Dioxide is expected to grow in the forthcoming quarters as the demand from the downstream industries will rise exponentially with the rebound of Asian industrial sector.

Titanium Dioxide Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

Asia

During the conclusive quarter of 2023, the Titanium Dioxide Price Trend in China showcased minimal movement only from approximately 2295 USD/MT (Spot, FD) in October’23 to 2321 USD/MT in December’23. Titanium dioxide is derived from crude oil, and thus, this upswing in the prices of titanium dioxide was based on rising uncertainties in crude oil costs.

The hike was further enhanced by the prolonged reduction in the supply of raw materials from Russia and Saudi Arabia and the rise in the rates of procurement from the downstream automotive industries. Additionally, the paint industry giants also registered significant profits as the year came to an end, indicating a rise in the spending budget of the consumers.

Europe

The slump in construction activities led to depreciation in the prices of titanium dioxide as the year 2023 approached towards its end. The consumers adopted a pessimistic approach to the rising inflationary pressure and increasing rates of interest charged by the banks.

The ripples in the titanium dioxide market intensified when the pharmaceutical industry groups submitted a petition for the ban on the use of titanium dioxide as a feed additive to the European Medicines Agency in adherence to the scientific opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), lowering the consumer confidence in this sector. Furthermore, amid the gloomy winds in the European industrial sector, the traders began their destocking activities and offered huge discounts on bulk purchases, leading to a downturn in Titanium Dioxide Price Trend.

North America

The volatility of Titanium Dioxide Price Trend in the US was based on the lower-than-expected number of inquiries and dwindling confidence of the consumer sector due to the toxic effects of the product in food products and paints. However, the major challenge for the traders arose from the diversion of Panama Canal routes to some alternative pathways, causing port congestion and delays in shipments, leading to lower volumes of exports.

But, as the year approached its end and the holiday season began in North America, the region observed a rise in the purchasing activities of titanium dioxide and a boost in the construction and automotive sectors, giving the titanium dioxide market its required momentum.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Titanium Dioxide are estimated to register some positive growth in its price graph as the global industrial demand looks favorable. However, the traders.

Titanium Dioxide Price Trend for the July - September of 2023

Asia

The rise in the cost of production influenced the Titanium Dioxide Price Trend positively during the third quarter of 2023. The constraints of supply chains also eased out by a greater margin, increasing the influx of products in the region. The manufacturers exercised precautions as the inventories crossed the red line, and the economic growth also failed to support the market momentum.

However, with time, the downstream industries raised their demand and helped the Titanium Dioxide Price Trend to incline throughout the quarter, which was indicated in the rise of the prices in China from around 2183 USD/MT in July to 2255 USD/MT (Spot, FD) in September’23.

However, in India, the Titanium Dioxide Price Trend fluctuated under the influence of moderate growth in the automotive and construction sectors, and as a result the Titanium Dioxide Price Trend settled at approximately 2425 USD/MT in September.

Europe

In Europe, the downstream paints and coatings sector presented weak demand in front of the titanium dioxide manufacturers, and thus, the Titanium Dioxide Price Trend experienced a gradual decline in its trajectory. Additionally, the pressure of inflation and increasing bank interest rates lowered the spending appetite of consumers which had an adverse effect on the Titanium Dioxide Price Trend. Further, the export and import of titanium dioxide were also caught under the negative influence of the poor economic conditions of the market.

North America

The North American region suffered from the excess influx of material in the market, especially from the Asian countries, in the first half of the third quarter. The quarter, however, showed signs of significant improvement with a rise in the number of offtakes. Further, the lack of labor in the US challenged the rates of production of titanium dioxide and resulted in the depletion in the level of existing inventories, pushing the titanium dioxide price graph in an upward direction.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Titanium Dioxide are estimated to follow a fluctuating trajectory in the upcoming quarters depending on the performance of the automotive industries.

Titanium Dioxide Price Trend for the First Half of 2023

Asia

The Asian market was favorable to the rising price trend of titanium dioxide in the first quarters of 2023. The prices inclined gradually with some slight fluctuations. The positive outlook of the market was a direct effect of removing covid restrictions, upscaling industrial production, and high speed of market recovery.

However, the market could not sustain these high prices and strived for equilibrium, causing the prices to fall. Further, after the complete removal of restrictions, the factories churned out products at a much faster pace than the market offtakes. Hence, the manufacturers reduced their quotations to maintain positive product movement in the market. The spot prices of titanium dioxide averaged around 2264 USD/MT in June’23 in the Chinese market.

Europe

The titanium dioxide market fluctuated in the first two quarters of 2023. These pricing patterns resulted from poor demand and reduced intakes from the downstream industries. Amid the slow demand, the manufacturers were forced to reduce their outputs. With rising inflation rates, production cuts gradually increased. Given the economic downturn, the labor strikes further affected the market dynamics, thereby exerting pressure on the pricing fundamentals.

North America

The price trend for titanium dioxide kept on the lower side of the scale during the first half of 2023. As the paint and coatings industries reduced their offtakes,  the abundant supply of the product in the market led to a fall in prices. The prices also suffered from falling energy costs and declining freight charges. Further, the rising speculations of a global recession caused manufacturers to participate actively in destocking.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price of Titanium dioxide is estimated to depict a declining trend in the upcoming quarter. The price trend will be mostly affected by the weakened demand from the paint and coatings industries and the rise in global inflation.

Titanium Dioxide Price Trend for the Second Half of 2022

Asia

A steep decline in the prices of titanium dioxide was observed in the second half of 2022 as the erratic energy costs along with rising covid cases affected the market negatively. In addition to this, the decreased offtakes from paints and coating industries, weak economic growth, and strict restrictions imposed to deal with the resurgence of covid cases further aided the declining trajectory of titanium butoxide prices.

Europe

The European region struggled with the rising inflation that caused energy prices to rise leading to higher production costs thereby, negatively impacting the prices of titanium dioxide. The transportation routes were further disrupted along with the uncertainties in the construction and automotive industries. In addition to this, the offtakes and purchasing behaviour of the end-user consumers also declined, fueling the declining price trend for titanium dioxide.

North America

The paints and coatings industry reduced their offtakes which coupled with the drop in the crude oil prices and availability of cheaper imports from the Asian market led to the fall in titanium dioxide prices. The demand decreased significantly in the fourth quarter along with the slow manufacturing due to high inflation rates keeping the price trend of the commodity in the negative zone.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the prices of titanium dioxide are expected to showcase mixed sentiments. With trade and supply-chain normalization, the automotive and construction sectors are estimated to improve their global performance, thus affecting the prices positively.

For the Second Quarter of 2022

Asia

Titanium dioxide prices varied across the Asia-Pacific region in this quarter. The supply disruption caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine made the supply of the feedstock titanium concentrate even more problematic, and in the first half of the second quarter, a bullish market outlook prevailed. The decline in TiO2 market values in India has also been backed by a decline in demand from downstream industries like automotive and construction.

North America

The second quarter of 2022 saw mixed market sentiments for titanium dioxide prices. Due to demands, constrained supply and ineffective production capacity brought on by the stretched supply chain, labour shortage, and high energy prices, the production of the chemical increased in Q2 of 2022. Moreover, the US Federal Reserve's tight monetary policy and high interest rates worsened the domestic trade picture, which at quarter's conclusion supported titanium dioxide's unfavourable market views.

Europe

Titanium Dioxide prices in Germany increased by about 4% in the second quarter compared to what was seen in Q1 from historical price trend. Due to the restrictions on Russian energy imports brought on by the sanctions imposed by European countries, domestic production of TiO2 saw its costs surge even further. Additionally, the commodity's price was highlighted and its market expansion was supported by the upstream construction and automation sectors' buoyant demand.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the second half of the year would be passive for the price trend of Titanium Dioxide. The major entities weighing on the prices are expected to be over-supply and matured inventories, sluggish demand from the downstream paints and varnishes, and enfeebled costs of upstream processes.

For the First Quarter of 2022

Asia

In January 2022, the average price of domestic titanium dioxide in local Chinese marketplaces was 20,735 RMB/MT. Traders were more careful in purchasing goods and downstream industries purchased things on demand. As a result, the overall market demand for titanium dioxide was general.

In terms of titanium concentrate, the market in the Panxi region was quite stable in the first few weeks of the month. The overall state of the titanium ore market was satisfactory, and the price remained stable. The price of 38-grade titanium ore without tax was approximately 1,500-1,530 RMB/MT as of the 13th of January, while it was 2,220-2,260 RMB/MT for 46-grade titanium ore and 2,500-2,550 RMB/MT for 47-grade titanium ore.

For the Fourth Quarter of 2021

Asia

The compound in the Asia Pacific market experienced a mixed trend throughout the fourth quarter of 2021. These market attitudes were mostly related to lower operational loads at Chinese domestic manufacturing plants.

However, the run rates improved after the Chinese government's consistent efforts to reduce electricity rationing in China. The demand forecast remained positive during the quarter, with inquiries coming in from both the local and international markets. As a result of the supply-demand mismatch, the FOB Wuhu debate for TiO2 rutile grade was decided at 3097 USD/MT at the end of the quarter.

Europe

Throughout the fourth quarter of 2021, the European market had consistent optimistic sentiment. Despite the overwhelming inventories at lower levels during the fourth quarter of 2021, the demand prognosis in the domestic market revealed varied opinions. Imports from the Asia Pacific region, on the other hand, remained disruptive due to limited accessibility of vessel freights and a decrease in the PMI index for titanium dioxide in China despite the application of severe environmental protection measures.

In the European domestic market, however, the cost support from increasing freight charges kept the valuation of imported volumes high, and the average CFR NWE discussions were assessed at USD 3800 per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2021.

North America

Despite a bullish trend ruling the market for the bulk of the period, the North American market had mixed sentiments in the fourth quarter of 2021. This was mostly due to the adequate pushback from the supply-demand imbalance, which was further compounded by rising natural gas prices, which had taken a proper toll on the future production of numerous minerals, including titanium dioxide. An increase in COVID instances had prompted concerns in ore feedstock. As a result, during the fourth quarter of 2021, the FD UGSC (USA) quarterly average negotiations for the chemical CP Rutile Grade were finalised at USD 4434 per tonne.

For First, Second and Third Quarters of 2021

Asia

Titanium dioxide prices in the Asian market skyrocketed due to high demand and limited stock availability. Prices in the Chinese market surged significantly, reaching 2875 USD /MT at the end of March, well above the USD 2015/MT level in January 2021.

Some dealers quoted prices that were significantly higher than expected, sending the domestic market to an almost three-year high. Meanwhile, a similar scenario was observed in the Indian market, where titanium dioxide prices (rutile grade) for rose by 8% from January to March. The increase was attributed to strong demand from the domestic paints and coatings sector as well as premium cargo from China.

Titanium dioxide prices in India reached 3424 USD /MT and 3001 USD /MT for Rutile and Anatase grades during the last week of June.

Prices increased somewhat in the Asian market during the third quarter of 2021. After a steady recovery since mid-June, its price in India fell slightly in August, pushed down by lower import prices. Titanium dioxide prices continued to rise in the Chinese domestic market, with FOB Wuhu talks for Rutile grade TiO2 settling at 3125 USD/MT for the week ending September 24th.

Europe

Titanium dioxide prices climbed significantly in the European region during Q2 2021, owing to strong demand from the downstream sector. Major global suppliers indicated that they have seen a surge in its demand for primarily from Europe and Asia, despite a global supply constraint. Furthermore, a global player raised titanium dioxide costs in Europe by 200 USD /MT this quarter, effective Q3 2021.

Price increases of 139-174 USD /MT were seen in Q3 by western suppliers in a tight and buoyant market that faced multiple persistent pulls on supply, including an ongoing lack of Chinese export competitiveness. Furthermore, container constraints hampered its delivery to the rest of the world.

North America

Titanium dioxide prices (anatase grade) increased steadily across the United States, rising 2.27% from January 2021 to March 2021, and were settled at 3150 USD /MT by the conclusion of the quarter.

In the meantime, some big manufacturers boosted their product pricing to better their margins, such as Venator, which increased its titanium dioxide prices by roughly 160 USD /MT for the third quarter of 2021 in the North America region. Overall, prices for Anatase grade in the United States hovered about 3485 USD /MT through the end of June.

For the Year 2020

Asia

Coronavirus-related shutdowns in the first half of the quarter prompted forcible measures at several small-scale ilmenite factories in China and India, subsequently exacerbating the Titanium supply problem. The chemical's tight supply condition was extended until the end of the quarter, as few participants were heard holding cargoes in expectation of an exceptional surge in its seasonal demand.

In India, purchasers took a wait-and-see strategy because of the concerns about an unpredictable demand pattern following the second wave of the pandemic around the end of September. Whereas in China, producers were heard operating at optimal rates even though export orders were low in July.

The prices in India settled at 2888 USD/MT in September, indicating a decrease. Throughout the quarter, demand in India varied in a limited range, particularly in the latter half of September as a result of the second round of lockdown in numerous sections of the nation.

Europe

Demand in the European region has been significantly boosted by higher offtakes in the furniture, building, and industrial sectors compared to Q2, after a boost in containment measures. DIY activities increased significantly as people engaged in more home renovation and building tasks during the extended period of lockdown. With the restart of Chinese shipments in the latter half of Q2 2020, supply has also remained plentiful.

North America

The supply in North America remained adequate, as companies were seen constantly altering their production rates in response to the volatility in the demand pattern. In the final week of September, news of Chemours' forthcoming titanium dioxide factory in Georgia valued USD 86 million alleviated fears about supply strain.

By September, demand in the construction sector had significantly increased; however, resurgent cases of virus hindered the anticipated recovery in demand. However, due to a severe fall in market fundamentals in some end-use areas, its prices had significantly faded by quarter-end. Delays in a number of commercial projects, followed by a poor recovery in the downstream automotive market, were identified as primary causes of the protracted recovery curve.

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