Chinese Titanium Dioxide Market Overview (January-May 2026)

Exports Continue to Grow Despite Monthly Decline

According to Chinese customs statistics, titanium dioxide exports reached approximately 152,800 metric tons in May 2026, representing a 12.63% year-on-year increase, although exports decreased 21.05% compared with April.

Among them:

· Sulfate-process TiO₂ exports: 118,400 MT

· Chloride-process TiO₂ exports: 34,400 MT

For the first five months of 2026, cumulative titanium dioxide exports reached 883,000 MT, up 12.55% year-on-year.

Export Breakdown (Jan-May 2026)

The data indicates that chloride-process titanium dioxide continues to gain market share globally due to its superior performance in high-end coatings, plastics and specialty applications.

Titanium Dioxide Imports Remain Weak

China imported approximately 5,275.81 MT of titanium dioxide in May 2026, down 29.35% year-on-year, although imports increased 4.40% month-on-month.

Among them:

· Chloride-process TiO₂ imports: 2,840.17 MT

· Sulfate-process TiO₂ imports: 2,435.63 MT

Cumulative imports during January-May 2026 totaled approximately 25,900 MT, a decrease of 25.67% compared with the same period last year.

Import Breakdown (Jan-May 2026)

Implications for the Ferrous Sulfate Market

As a major by-product of sulfate-process titanium dioxide production, ferrous sulfate heptahydrate availability is closely linked to sulfate TiO₂ operating rates.

Although chloride-process TiO₂ is growing rapidly, sulfate-process titanium dioxide still accounts for the majority of China's titanium dioxide production and exports. This ensures a stable supply of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate for water treatment, agriculture, cement and chemical industries.

At the same time, increasing environmental requirements and expanding wastewater treatment capacity are expected to support long-term demand growth for ferrous sulfate products.