In late August, the titanium dioxide (TiO₂) market witnessed a new wave of concentrated price increases. Following earlier moves by leading producers, major domestic TiO₂ manufacturers have issued price adjustment letters, raising prices by RMB 500–800 per ton across both sulfate- and chloride-process product lines. We believe this round of collective price hikes reflects several key signals:
Industry Confidence Is Restoring
After nearly a year of downturn, inventories across the supply chain remain at low levels. With downstream demand gradually recovering, producers are now more confident in adjusting prices. The fact that multiple companies announced increases simultaneously shows that market expectations are aligning and confidence is returning.
Stronger Cost Support
Titanium ore prices remain firm, while auxiliary raw materials such as sulfur and sulfuric acid stay elevated. Although by-product prices like ferrous sulfate have risen, TiO₂ production costs remain high. If ex-factory prices lag behind costs for too long, companies face continued losses. Thus, price hikes are partly a passive choice, but also a necessary step to maintain the industry’s healthy development.
Shifts in Supply–Demand Expectations
The market is entering the prelude to the traditional peak season of “Golden September and Silver October.” Demand in coatings, plastics, and paper sectors is expected to grow. By raising prices in advance, producers are both positioning for the peak season and guiding market prices back to rational levels.
Industry Differentiation May Accelerate
In the short term, higher prices may boost trading sentiment. In the long term, however, overcapacity remains a challenge, and competition will continue to reshape the market. Companies with advantages in scale, technology, and distribution channels will be better positioned to stabilize pricing and win customer trust.
Conclusion
This collective price adjustment signals a stage of stabilization for the TiO₂ market and marks an important step toward more rational competition. For downstream customers, now may be a strategic window to secure raw material supply ahead of time. Whether the market can truly rebound with the arrival of “Golden September and Silver October” remains to be seen.
Post time: Aug-22-2025
