In mid-March, the titanium dioxide market unexpectedly saw a second round of price increases. On the 16th, over twenty manufacturers announced price hikes, all at the same rate. This marks the second wave of price increases in 2026, and also the first time in nearly ten years that two price increases have occurred in a single month, with a cumulative increase of 1000 yuan/ton. Some manufacturers are experiencing severe shortages, with long queues for shipments. The atmosphere of full price increases is prevalent, and a few manufacturers have already suspended accepting new orders.

The main reasons for this price increase are twofold:

First, influenced by the international situation, energy supplies are tight, leading to insufficient supply from overseas manufacturers. More overseas demand is flowing to China, resulting in improved overseas orders for Chinese titanium dioxide manufacturers. Some manufacturers have already received orders until May and June, reducing inventory and increasing production pressure.

Second, the prices of sulfur and sulfuric acid remain strong, putting significant cost pressure on manufacturers and forcing them to raise prices.

The recent price market changes have one characteristic and two trends. Characteristics: Despite the impact of the international situation, the prices of most products, regardless of whether they are commodities or not, are rising. This is a general inflation caused by the event, and such price increases are readily accepted by many users. Therefore, the recent two rounds of price increases have been accepted by customers relatively quickly.

Trend 1: Except for special applications, the market share of pigment-grade anatase titanium dioxide is showing a shrinking trend year by year. This trend is not only domestic but also global.

Trend 2: The price difference between anatase and rutile, and between the sulfuric acid process and the chloride process, is gradually narrowing. Customer applications are also gradually moving towards higher quality. In other words, anatase users are increasingly choosing rutile, and sulfuric acid process users are increasingly choosing chloride process products.