The TiO2 industry is seeing favorable supply and demand conditions. Chinese producers, the usual industry disruptors, are facing more serious challenges than their multinational competitors.
The TiO2 industry is in a position never before experienced in its long history as it moves through the seasonally high coatings demand period in North America. Demand is returning beyond average GDP levels, particularly in China. In turn, price-sensitive customers are absorbing a huge increase in price.
The outlook is positive for most TiO2 producers for 2021. Increasing demand and the limited ability of Chinese producers to respond fairs well for global players. Multiple factors, including feedstock, Chinese chloride capabilities, and product quality all will impact the long-term future of the industry.
As the TiO2 market strengthens post-pan demic, TiO2 consumers in North America will continue to be faced with the dilemma of how best to find reductions in TiO2 costs.
As COVID-19 spread outside China, TiO2 sales were impacted. TiPMC provides some insight, along with a view of what signs will signal an industry recovery.
During both the production process at the TiO2 producer and the manufacturing process of paints, coatings and composite materials, avoiding the coagulation and agglomeration of the TiO2 dispersion is important. Surface chemistry of the TiO2 dispersion can be controlled during the measurement of Electrokinetic Sonic Amplitude (ESA) by regulating the pH value, e.g. for avoiding flocculation of dispersion.
