Highlights
- Nearly 40% of Chinese titanium dioxide producers reduced output or suspended operations in January 2025.
- Domestic prices increased by 300-500 yuan/mt despite weak market demand.
- Export market and pre-holiday overseas stockpiling help stabilize overall sales and market conditions.
China’s titanium dioxide production in January 2025 experienced a slight month-over-month decline, reflecting a combination of rising raw material costs and subdued domestic demand. According to Shanghai Metals Market (opens in a new tab) (SMM), nearly 40% of producers either reduced output or suspended operations, while others operated below full capacity. Leading enterprises issued price adjustment notices, raising domestic prices by 300-500 yuan/mt. However, these adjustments face uncertainty due to weak market demand.
The Chinese media highlights the export market as a mitigating factor, with pre-holiday overseas stockpiling helping stabilize overall sales. Despite this, the market remains stable but slightly weak, with February’s production projected to decline further due to reduced working days.
Subtle biases in the article suggest an emphasis on China’s capacity to maintain price stability and resilience despite challenges, potentially positioning the domestic market as robust in the face of global pressures. Notably, the article avoids discussing global competition or longer-term supply chain risks, portraying a cautiously optimistic outlook while sidestepping structural issues such as overcapacity or environmental regulations that may impact the industry.
Daniel
You Might Also Like…