KONSTANZ, Germany - In its new study, international market research and consultancy company Ceresana, Konstanz, Germany, has analyzed the global market for titanium dioxide (TiO₂) along the entire value creation chain: starting with the raw materials ilmenite, leucoxene and rutile to processed products such as titanium slag and synthetic rutile, as well as individual application areas that use TiO₂. Market analysts expect the global titanium dioxide market to experience dynamic growth and to reach a volume of about 7.5 million metric tons.

Major consumers of these raw materials are pigment producers located in Asia-Pacific, North America and Western Europe. There are differences in which application areas use what base products; Asia-Pacific mainly processes ilmenite, whereas North America and Western Europe utilize titanium slag that is of a higher quality and more expensive than ilmenite.

Given the importance the sale of pigments has for total TiO₂ sales volume, the major application areas are paints and varnishes as well as paper and plastics. About 80 percent of the world's TiO₂ consumption is processed in these application areas. Other pigment applications like printing inks, fibers, rubber, cosmetic products and foodstuffs account for another 8 percent of total market shares. Almost 12 percent of global TiO₂ supply is used in other applications, such as the production of technical pure titanium, glass and glass ceramics, electrical ceramics, catalysts, electric conductors, and chemical intermediates.

Revenues generated with TiO₂ feedstock increase more rapidly than demand volume. Between 2010 and 2012, the average price for raw materials rose by almost 250 percent. After moderate increases of prices until the end of 2013, Ceresana forecasts prices to fall in the years to come. A major factor will be the rising supply of raw materials for titanium dioxide. As new capacities of ilmenite, rutile and titanium slag are likely to be created in the upcoming years, the tense demand-supply situation will relax.

For additional information about the study, visit www.ceresana.com/en/Market-Studies/Chemicals/Titanium-Dioxide.