Jan-Apr : TiO₂ Export Performance
According to the latest data released by China Customs, China’s titanium dioxide exports reached roughly 193,500 tons in April 2026, climbing 30.73% year-on-year and dropping 3.98% month-on-month.
Breakdown by production process: exports of sulfate-process titanium dioxide amounted to 157,000 tons, edging up 0.09% from the previous month. Exports of chloride-process titanium dioxide stood at 42,800 tons, a month-on-month decline of 16.02%.
For the first four months of 2026, total titanium dioxide exports accumulated to 730,300 tons, representing a 12.53% year-on-year increase. Specifically, sulfate-process titanium dioxide exports hit 551,700 tons, up 5.88% year-on-year, while chloride-process products recorded exports of around 178,600 tons, surging 39.63% year-on-year.
May : Sideways Trend with Downside Risks
In May, TiO₂ prices stay steady at a high level. Manufacturers hold firm on bottom-line prices and focus on delivering backlogs, with no inventory buildup seen. New high-price orders are thin. A handful of producers have trimmed prices marginally, opening up slight room for negotiation. Most enquiries come from buyers with essential demand who shop around for better rates.
It will be difficult to push TiO₂ prices higher. Supported by firm costs of sulfur and sulfuric acid, sulfate-process TiO₂ prices are hovering sideways. The market lacks a clear direction this month, and major manufacturers’ new pricing policies next week will be decisive.
Ahead of the traditional off-season, downstream clients are reluctant to purchase and hope for price declines; some have started to procure goods on the expectation of lower prices. The market is locked in a seesaw battle. This stagnation won’t persist, and prices will likely drop if there is no upward movement.
