Insufficient follow-up on transactions. Titanium dioxide prices continued to decline this week [SMM Titanium Weekly Review]

This week, the titanium dioxide market continued to weaken. The quoted prices for sulphuric acid-based rutile titanium dioxide ranged from 13,300 to 15,000 yuan/mt, while those for anatase titanium dioxide ranged from 12,500 to 13,300 yuan/mt. Downstream demand remained sluggish, with insufficient market activity and significant downward pressure.​

The imbalance between supply and demand and costs intensified. Sulphuric acid prices climbed due to rising import costs of sulphur and plant maintenance by enterprises, driving up production costs. However, the downstream coating and plastic industries were affected by the downturn in the real estate sector, resulting in weak demand and a decline in the finished product prices of titanium dioxide. Against this backdrop, many enterprises halted production for maintenance. Although some regions resumed production due to a drop in sulphuric acid prices, the overall operating rate still declined. Nevertheless, with the advancement of domestic policies aimed at stabilizing growth, downstream demand may be boosted. Additionally, enterprises are increasing R&D efforts to enhance competitiveness. It is expected that the downside room for titanium dioxide prices will gradually narrow, although the market will remain weak in the short term.​