As the new year begins, the TiO2 industry worldwide is encountering difficulties and challenges short term, although there are some signs of hope. The trade wars, the potential of recession in the European economy, and political tensions in the Middle East are showing up in trade statistics, and they directly relate to TiO2 demand.
Because TiO2 consumption closely links to GDP, TiO2 demand reflects relative changes in growth. Today, we are seeing mixed demand signals throughout the world, but they very closely follow economic conditions. A major concern is that the slowness in Europe will prolong destocking and pressure pricing down further.