The Chinese TiO2 industry is experiencing difficult times. COVID-19 restrictions and a slumping housing market have dragged down industry demand. Energy and raw material costs, particularly sulfate ilmenite and sulfuric acid, are increasing costs at an enormous rate.
Despite growing inflation and concerns of recession in many other parts of the world, other regions are experiencing strong demand and low inventories. Difficult logistics, including high costs, are preventing Chinese producers from exporting at competitive prices in several regions. This unusual circumstance is creating uncommon trends with the TiO2 industry.