In 2018, the export situation of titanium dioxide in China was very favorable. According to customs data, in the first quarter of 2018, the export volume of titanium dioxide in China was 242,900 tons, an increase of 34.78% compared with the same period in 2017.

In March 2018, China’s titanium dioxide export volume reached a new high, with a quantity of 103,638.3 tons. This figure increased by 47.75% compared with the previous month and by 50.75% year-on-year.

In recent years, the export volume and proportion of titanium dioxide in China have been steadily increasing. In the first quarter of 2018, the growth was particularly remarkable. In the first quarter of 2018, the output of titanium dioxide was approximately 574,650 tons, with an export volume of 242,900 tons, and the export proportion was 42.27%. The foreign trade situation of the leading domestic enterprise, Longmang Bailelian, was even more encouraging, with the export volume accounting for about 60% of the total sales volume.

In terms of export regions, India still holds the top position. It is worth noting that after the outbreak of the Sino-US trade war, some industry insiders were worried that the trade war would affect the titanium dioxide industry. However, in reality, the trade war will not have any impact on China’s titanium dioxide industry. There are three reasons for this: 1. The tariff list of the Sino-US trade war does not include titanium dioxide or products closely related to it; 2. The proportion of our exports to the United States is 5%-6%, and the quantity is limited; 3. The price of titanium dioxide exported to the United States is 100-200 US dollars per ton lower than the overall price. Therefore, Chinese titanium dioxide enterprises are more inclined to export to other countries.

In terms of import and export prices, since June 2017, the average export price of titanium dioxide in China has remained stable at $2,500 – $2,540 per ton. The average import price has increased by $50 per ton each month. The main reason is that the main production method of titanium dioxide in China is the sulfuric acid process, while the chlorination process only accounts for 5% – 6% of the total output. Therefore, its influence in the international market is extremely limited. However, in terms of new production capacity, there are plans to put 20 – 30 million tons of chlorination process facilities into production by the end of 2018. At that time, the international influence of China’s titanium dioxide industry will further increase.

Overall, the export trade in the first quarter of 2018 marked a good start for China to secure a larger share in the international market, and also demonstrated the expanding demand in foreign markets.

Source: China Powder Technology Network