China’s titanium dioxide market saw little overall change this week and has entered a period of relative stability. However, each producer is following its own pricing strategy based on its inventory, cost level, and current orders. Some producers with higher prices have already made small cuts, sometimes together with price-protection policies, although the exact details are not always clear. Meanwhile, some distributors are selling more aggressively to win orders, based on their own expectations of the market direction. This has made prices look more confusing than usual.

For sulfate-route rutile TiO₂, the market is clearly divided. Higher-priced products may still have room to fall, while lower-priced products seem close to their bottom, with limited space for further cuts. Orders are also moving in different directions. Producers at the higher end are receiving normal orders, but lower-priced suppliers are busy with orders and, in some cases, need around two weeks to complete delivery.

Demand is still driven mainly by immediate production needs. Sales have not improved significantly despite the approach of the traditional peak season. Supply is generally available, but producers are quoting carefully and competition remains strong. They are trying to win end-user orders while also reducing their operating costs. Most producers are now operating close to their cost line, and some may already be selling at a loss. On the buyer side, many customers still prefer to wait while prices are falling. They are splitting their monthly purchasing plans into smaller orders, comparing offers closely and pushing for lower prices.

However, some changes are appearing in both cost and supply. Sulfur inventories at Chinese ports are rising steadily, and concerns about sulfur supply from the Middle East are gradually easing. This has helped sulfuric acid prices move lower. At the same time, some domestic producers have started to reduce output or temporarily shut down production lines. This means supply is beginning to tighten. With the traditional September–October peak season approaching, downstream demand may improve gradually if seasonal restocking develops as expected.

outlook

Sulfate grade TiO₂ prices now appear close to a short-term bottom, and the room for further declines looks limited. If more producers cut output or stop production temporarily, supply may tighten further. Together with lower sulfuric acid costs and a gradual increase in seasonal demand, this could provide stronger support for sulfate grades.

Chloride grade TiO₂ is in a different position. Its prices have adjusted more slowly than those of sulfate-route grades, so it may still face some downward pressure in the short term. The price trend for sulfate and chloride grades may become more different in the coming weeks.

For buyers with near-term production needs, it may be wiser to cover part of their requirements now rather than keep waiting for a lower price. The market may already be close to its bottom.​