Titanium Dioxide Market Prices in 2017 Broke a New High

Introduction: Though the titanium dioxide market declined twice in 2017, the overall market prices were higher than average prices in 2015 and 2016.

In 2017, titanium dioxide market prices were higher than those in 2015 and 2016, though the prices moved down twice in 2017. 2017 Chinese titanium dioxide market was optimistic.    

The average price of titanium dioxide in early 2017 was RMB 14,850/mt, and the average price at the end 2017 was RMB 16,608/mt, up RMB 1,758/mt or 11.84%.

As the strict transportation regulations was put into effect, the transportation cost of titanium dioxide producers increased. Moreover, the operating rates in Panzhihua titanium ore producers were low. Titanium dioxide producers’ production cost increased. Furthermore, the tight supply of titanium ore influenced the production of titanium dioxide. The supply of titanium dioxide declined. Titanium dioxide producers increased sales prices.

From June to September, the titanium dioxide market had reached the annual highest point. Downstream users couldn’t afford the high prices of titanium dioxide. Moreover, the demand for titanium dioxide entered the off-season. Mild declines started to appear in the market.

After September, the demand recovered. But the coating producers’ operating rates were still low. Though sulfuric acid and sulphur prices moved up obviously, the demand was still poor. The market didn’t improve.

From November to December, the downstream industries entered the off-season and the demand for titanium dioxide became thin. Negotiation prices moved down. New lower dealing prices were heard.