Titanium prices continue to rise as supply of raw materials is tightening [SMM Analysis]

Titanium prices rose steadily after the Chinese New Year holiday, led by the raw material market.

Titanium concentrate market

At present, the mainstream transaction price of domestic titanium concentrate (TiO2 ≥ 46%) market is 2250-2300 yuan / ton. In February, the titanium concentrate market in Panxi region showed a high upward trend, which was 35 yuan/ton higher than that in early February. Titanium ore companies have not yet resumed normal mining,thus titanium ore spot stocks continue to be tight. And corporate inventories are low. This, coupled with the optimistic expectations of the downstream titanium dioxide market in March, has contributed to the firmness of titanium concentrate prices.

Titanium dioxide market

Currently, the mainstream market price of rutile titanium dioxide was 16200-17500 yuan/ton, and the mainstream market transaction price of anatase titanium dioxide was 14000-14500 yuan/ton. Affected by the high cost pressure and the advanced stockpiling caused by the optimistic expectations of downstream companies for the peak season, titanium dioxide companies raised prices. Currently titanium dioxide orders are basically scheduled until late March. Considering that spot cargoes at titanium dioxide companies are currently tight and downstream purchases, titanium dioxide companies are expected to increase prices again. SMM expects titanium dioxide prices to be strong.

Titanium sponge

At present, the mainstream market transaction price of grade 1 titanium sponge is 50,000-53,000 yuan / ton. Affected by the large-scale advance stockings of major downstream titanium manufacturers, the titanium sponge market is tight on spot supply, and the bulk transaction price of titanium sponge has risen slightly. Considering that magnesium ingot prices have continued to decline recently, the cost pressure of titanium sponge plants has eased, and semi-process titanium sponge plants are on the sidelines. SMM expects titanium sponge prices to remain stable in the short term.