TiO2 buyers are dealing with a flurry of price increases through the first half of 2022. Most buyers are concerned with availability of supply. How long will this tight supply/demand scenario last? TiPMC is watching for leading indicators of the potential shift, primarily:
China has been responsible for the price cycles of the past decade. Market share shifts outside of China closely correlate to domestic demand and capacity utilization within the country. More production –> stagnant demand –> increasing exports –> oversupply outside China –> inventory build –> falling prices. Announcements of new capacity in China range in the 4-5 Mtpa range.