Summary: In the realm of international trade, the titanium dioxide (TiO2)
industry witnessed a series of transformative events in 2024, reshaping the
competitive landscape and strategic orientations of key players globally.
1. Venator Announces
Strategic Business Transformation Plan
In early February 2024, Venator announced a significant step in its
business transformation strategy, outlining plans to dismantle its 50kt titanium
dioxide (TiO2) production capacity in Duisburg, Germany, during Q2 2024. The
company will shift its specialized production capabilities to bolster
operations at its Uedingen facility. While the Duisburg plant will remain
operational, it will pivot to focusing on its functional additives segment.
Additionally, Venator's 80kt TiO2 facility in Scarlino, Italy, remains offline
as the company awaits local regulatory developments and improved market
conditions for TiO2 products.
2. India Launches
Anti-Dumping Investigation on Chinese TiO2 Imports
India initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of
titanium dioxide from China, covering the period from October 1, 2022, to
September 30, 2023. The investigation will also assess the impact of dumping on
domestic industry from multiple years, including April 2020–March 2021, April
2021–March 2022, and April 2022–March 2023.
3. Shiseido Japan to Shut
Down Sulfate Process TiO2 Plant
On May 23, 2024, Shiseido Japan's Inorganic Chemicals Division
announced that it would close its sulfate-based titanium dioxide production
facility in Yokkaichi by March 2027. The decision follows a strategic review
aimed at optimizing its product portfolio and enhancing its focus on high-value,
high-performance products. The company will continue to operate the facility
until March 2027 to minimize disruption and is exploring potential alliances
with other companies to further streamline operations.
4. Atushi City to Invest
12.8 Billion CNY in Aerospace-grade Titanium Sponge and Titanium-based
Materials
On June 27, 2024, Atushi City's local government signed an
investment agreement with Baoji Yucai Glass Group Co., Ltd., committing 12.8
billion CNY to build a 40,000-tonne production facility for aerospace-grade
titanium sponge and titanium-based new materials. This project, which spans
five years, will include the construction of a full-process titanium sponge
production line, as well as the development of associated titanium alloy and
smelting facilities. The investment will significantly contribute to the
region's industrial expansion, particularly in aerospace and medical equipment
manufacturing.
5. Jinan Yuxiao Group and
Inner Mongolia Monda Titanium Industry to Collaborate on 650,000-ton
Vanadium-Titanium Raw Materials Project
On July 15, 2024, Jinan Yuxiao Group Co., Ltd. and Inner Mongolia
Monda Titanium Industry Co., Ltd. formalized a strategic partnership for a
650,000-ton vanadium-titanium raw materials project. The collaboration aims to
enhance the production and processing capabilities of vanadium and
titanium-based materials, reinforcing both companies' positions in the
competitive titanium industry.
6. Pangang Group Assumes
Control of Chalco Shenyang Nonferrous Metal Processing Co. Ltd.
On July 16, 2024, a formal agreement was signed between Pangang
Group and Chalco Shenyang Nonferrous Metal Processing Co., Ltd. to transfer
ownership of the latter to Pangang Group, marking the completion of a strategic
consolidation. The move strengthens the integration of the two state-owned
enterprises (SOEs) and enhances their joint expertise in the titanium and
non-ferrous metal industries.
7. Venator Sells 50% Stake
in Louisiana Pigment Company to Kronos Worldwide
On July 17, 2024, Venator Materials plc completed the sale of its
50% equity stake in Louisiana Pigment Company (LPC) to its operational partner,
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. The transaction, valued at approximately 185 million USD
(subject to working capital adjustments), positions Kronos to gain full control
of LPC's titanium dioxide production. Following the sale, Venator received cash
and is eligible for additional profit payments of up to 15 million USD.
8. Shandong Xianghai to
Invest 4.5 Billion CNY in 300,000-ton Chloride Process TiO2 Project
On September 2, 2024, Shandong Xianghai Titanium Resources
Technology Co., Ltd. announced plans to invest 4.5 billion CNY in a new
chloride process titanium dioxide project with an annual capacity of 300,000
tons. The project, which will span 34 months, aims to enhance the company's
production capabilities and deliver significant economic benefits, with
projected annual revenues exceeding 6 billion CNY upon reaching full capacity.
9. 2024 National Titanium
Dioxide Industry Annual Conference
The 2024 National Titanium Dioxide Industry Annual Conference took
place from October 25 to 26 in Qianjiang, Hubei Province, drawing over 350
industry experts, company leaders, and academics. The event saw prominent
discussions on the development of chloride process TiO2, smart manufacturing,
safety management, and strategies for tackling current market challenges. Key
leaders from major companies such as Longbai Group, Zhonghe TiO2, and Jiangxi
Tiangong shared their insights on the evolving industry landscape.
10. EU Antidumping Investigation
on Chinese TiO2 Imports
On November 1, 2024, the European Commission released its
preliminary findings in the ongoing anti-dumping investigation into titanium
dioxide imports from China. The final anti-dumping duties proposed include
32.3% for Longbai Group, 11.4% for Anhui Jin Xing Titanium Group, and 28.4% for
other responding companies. The rates are slightly lower than the initial
decision, and no retroactive duties will be imposed.
11. Lubei Chemical Plans
to Invest in 200,000-ton Integrated Titanium Dioxide Project
On November 5, 2024, Lubei Chemical's wholly-owned subsidiary, Jinha
Tiye, announced plans to invest in a 200,000-ton integrated titanium dioxide
production project. The facility, set to be developed in two phases, will
produce high-quality titanium dioxide, artificial rutile, and polyferric
sulfate. Once completed, the project will significantly bolster the company's
position in the titanium dioxide market.
12. Daon Titanium
Announces New Sulfate Process TiO2 Project in Shandong
On November 20, 2024, Daon Titanium Industry Co., Ltd., a subsidiary
of Daon Group, revealed its plans to invest 1.02 billion CNY in a new sulfate
process titanium dioxide project in Shandong. The facility will produce
rutile-type TiO2 and by-products such as sulfuric acid and iron sulfate. With
an expected output of 100,000 tons per year, the project is scheduled for
completion by 2026.
13. Chemours Partners with
PCC to Upgrade TiO2 Production with New Chlor-Alkali Facility
On December 13, 2024, Chemours Company announced a joint venture
with PCC Group to build a new chlor-alkali facility at its TiO2 production site
in D'Iberville, Mississippi. The new facility, which will incorporate advanced
technologies for maximum energy efficiency, is expected to have an annual
production capacity of 340,000 tons. Once operational in 2028, the facility
will support Chemours' efforts to improve TiO2 production and provide sodium
hydroxide as a valuable by-product for sale.
About CCM:
CCM is the leading market intelligence provider for China's agriculture, chemicals, food & feed and life science markets. Founded in 2001, CCM offers a range of content solutions, from price and trade analysis to industry newsletters and customized market research reports. CCM is a brand of Kcomber Inc.
For more information about CCM, please visit www.cnchemicals.com or get in touch with us directly by emailing econtact@cnchemicals.com or calling +86-20-37616606.