Summary
In September 2025, the titanium dioxide (TiO₂) industry continues to navigate shifting trade flows, policy headwinds, and evolving demand across coatings, plastics, and energy storage. This month’s update reviews recent export data, regional market adjustments, and corporate strategies that define the sector’s outlook.
I. Export & Import Dynamics – Supply Realignment Continues
Exports:
Preliminary customs data show China’s TiO₂ exports remained under pressure in August–September, with cumulative Jan–Aug volume down ~6% YoY.
Sulfate-grade shipments fell the most, particularly to India and Brazil, reflecting ongoing
anti-dumping measures.
Chloride-grade exports proved more resilient, supported by high-end coatings and photovoltaic applications.
Imports:
Import dependence on chloride-grade TiO₂ continues to ease, as domestic capacity expansions by LB Group and CNNC reach commercial scale.
Import prices remain about USD 800–1,000/t above export levels, underscoring a narrowing but still notable technology premium.
II. Policy & Market Pressures
European Union:
CBAM enforcement has increased carbon cost burdens on Chinese sulfate-grade producers, adding ~USD 200/t.
The August removal of TiO₂’s carcinogenic classification may support downstream applications, though compliance with REACH nano-scale rules remains a challenge.
India & Southeast Asia:
Anti-dumping duties in India continue to curb direct shipments; Chinese firms are using ASEAN transit channels (
Malaysia,
Vietnam) to retain market share.
Southeast Asia and the Middle East have emerged as alternative growth regions, though long payment cycles pose financing risks.
III. Corporate Strategies & Technological Advances
Overseas capacity: LB Group’s Indonesian plant is steadily supplying the EU with lower-carbon TiO₂, cutting CBAM exposure and offering ~12% cost savings vs. domestic supply.
Technology upgrades: Huiyun Tiankong’s ultra-low arsenic process has strengthened supply contracts with
beverage multinationals.
Sustainability push: Chemours and Venator are expanding carbon-footprint certifications, aligning with downstream buyers’ ESG requirements.
IV. Market Outlook
Short-term: Global TiO₂ prices are expected to remain range-bound, with seasonal demand in coatings offset by continued trade friction.
Medium-term: The industry’s structural shift is clear—exports to the EU and India are shrinking, while Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are gaining share.
Strategic takeaway: Producers should focus on low-carbon supply chains and technology differentiation to defend margins in an increasingly regulated market.
More details and data analysis are available in the CCM Titanium Dioxide China Monthly Report.
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.
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