Titanium dioxide exports continue to grow in 2023

1、 Supply and Demand Status 2023 Titanium Dioxide Export Growth

Titanium dioxide is an important inorganic chemical pigment, mainly composed of titanium dioxide. It has important applications in industries such as paint, ink, paper, plastics, rubber, chemical fiber, ceramics, and so on. There are two methods for manufacturing titanium dioxide: sulfuric acid method and chlorination method. The sulfuric acid method is still the main method in titanium dioxide factories in China. In 2021, China's titanium dioxide production capacity increased significantly, reaching 4.495 million tons, an increase of 650000 tons compared to 2020. By the end of 2022, the domestic titanium dioxide production capacity was 4.93 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 9.68%. In 2022, CITIC Titanium, Guizhou Shengwei, and Longbai Group all had new titanium dioxide production capacity.

2、 Import and export situation

Since 1999, China has imported a certain amount of titanium dioxide every year. With the continuous expansion of domestic production capacity and the intensification of domestic oversupply, production enterprises have actively expanded overseas markets, and the export volume of titanium dioxide industry has maintained a rapid growth in recent years. Since 2011, China has changed from a net importer of titanium dioxide to a net exporter, with an export volume of 1.0457 million tons more than the import volume. According to customs data, from January to December 2022, China's titanium dioxide exports totaled 1.4058 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 7.17%.

Statistical Briefing on Import and Export Data of Titanium Dioxide in January 2023

In January 2023, China's titanium dioxide import volume was 3600 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 47.44%, and the average import price was 3903.12 USD/ton, a year-on-year increase of 9.09%. In January 2023, China's titanium dioxide export volume was 131600 tons, an increase of 3.65% month on month, and the average export price was USD 2097.83 per ton, an increase of 0.87% month on month.

Statistical Briefing on Import and Export Data of Titanium Dioxide in February 2023

In February 2023, China's titanium dioxide import volume was 4800 tons, a year-on-year increase of 32.39%, and the average import price was $3578.25 per ton, a year-on-year decrease of 8.32%. In February 2023, China's titanium dioxide export volume was 154200 tons, a year-on-year increase of 17.19%, and the average export price was 2120.02 USD/ton, a year-on-year increase of 1.06%.

3、 Downstream consumption demand

In recent years, the apparent demand for titanium dioxide in China has been increasing. The apparent demand for titanium dioxide in China in 2021 was 2.7402 million tons, an increase of 274000 tons compared to 2020. At present, China has become a major producer and consumer of titanium dioxide, as well as a large number of exports. The export boom of titanium dioxide in China continues to rise, and continued exports ensure steady growth in the performance of the titanium dioxide industry.

As a coating, titanium dioxide is one of its main materials. In 2023, the overall economic environment is expected to warm up, with multiple benefits such as superimposed real estate policies. Downstream demand is expected to hit the bottom and rebound. Titanium dioxide demand is expected to improve, and the industry may gradually recover.