Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) price December 2024 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$2.93/KG, -0.7% down
- Europe:US$3.39/KG, -0.3% down
- Northeast Asia:US$2.06/KG, -1% down
- Southeast Asia:US$2.23/KG, -0.4% down
The chart below summarizes TiO2 price trend per region, as well as the outlook. It takes a moment to load.
Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) China prices per product for December 2024 and outlook (see chart below)
This post is a summary of the titanium dioxide (TiO2) price developments. The price developments of titanium dioxide (TiO2) are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for TiO2 prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of titanium dioxide prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of titanium dioxide (TiO2)
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of titanium dioxide (TiO2) prices
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the titanium dioxide (TiO2) market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
Further information on the Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) price index
What is TiO2
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a white, odorless, inorganic compound that is widely used as a pigment in a variety of industries, including paints, coatings, plastics, and paper. It is also used in the production of cosmetics, sunscreens, and food products, such as candies and chewing gum.
Titanium dioxide has excellent whiteness, brightness, and hiding power, which makes it an effective pigment for hiding the color of the substrate it is applied to. It is also resistant to discoloration and fading, and it has good UV resistance, making it suitable for use in outdoor applications.
Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral, and it is typically extracted from the ore ilmenite or rutile. It is then processed through a series of steps to produce the finished pigment, which is available in various forms, including anatase and rutile.
Titanium dioxide is a safe and effective pigment that has been used for over 100 years. It is generally considered to be non-toxic and non-irritating, and it is not classified as a carcinogen.
How is TiO2 produced
Titanium dioxide is produced from titanium ore, which is most commonly found in the minerals ilmenite and rutile. The first step in the production of titanium dioxide is the extraction of the ore, which is typically done through open-pit mining or strip mining. The ore is then crushed and ground into a fine powder, and the resulting material is subjected to a series of chemical and physical processes to produce titanium dioxide.
There are two main processes for producing titanium dioxide: the sulfate process and the chloride process. The choice of process depends on the type of ore being used and the intended end use of the titanium dioxide.
The sulfate process
In the sulfate process, the ore is first treated with sulfuric acid to produce a titanium sulfate solution. The solution is then filtered and treated with oxygen and steam to produce a mixture of titanium dioxide and sulfur dioxide. The titanium dioxide is then separated from the sulfur dioxide through a series of steps, including filtration, washing, and calcination, which involves heating the material to a high temperature to drive off impurities.
The chloride process
In the chloride process, the ore is treated with chlorine gas to produce titanium tetrachloride. The titanium tetrachloride is then treated with oxygen to produce titanium dioxide and hydrogen chloride. The titanium dioxide is then separated from the hydrogen chloride through a series of steps, including filtration and washing.
The resulting titanium dioxide is then ground into a fine powder and classified according to its particle size and purity. It is then packaged and shipped to customers for use in a variety of applications.
What is TiO2 used for
Paints and coatings
Titanium dioxide is widely used as a pigment in paints and coatings due to its excellent whiteness, brightness, and hiding power. It is also resistant to discoloration and fading, making it suitable for use in outdoor applications.
Plastics
Titanium dioxide is used as a pigment in the production of plastics, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, and polystyrene. It is also used as a filler to improve the strength and stiffness of the plastic.
Paper
Titanium dioxide is used as a pigment in the production of paper to improve the whiteness and brightness of the finished product. It is also used to coat paper to improve its printing and writing surface.
Cosmetics
Titanium dioxide is used as a pigment in a variety of cosmetics, including face powders, foundations, and sunscreens. It helps to improve the appearance and performance of the cosmetics.
Food
Titanium dioxide is used as a whitening agent and a colorant in a variety of food products, such as candies, chewing gum, and baked goods. It is also used to improve the appearance of some food products, such as dairy products, sauces, and dressings.
Other uses
Titanium dioxide is also used as a pigment in the production of rubber and in the production of ceramics and glass. It is also used as a catalyst and as a UV absorbent in a variety of applications.
Further reading
- Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
- PubChem for chemistry and property information
TiO2 market size
According to market research firm Mordor Intelligence, the global titanium dioxide market was valued at around $13.5 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% between 2021 and 2026. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for titanium dioxide, accounting for around 45% of global demand. The demand for titanium dioxide is driven by the construction, automotive, and packaging industries, among others.
It is worth noting that the market for titanium dioxide can be subject to fluctuations due to changing economic conditions and shifts in demand for end-use products. In addition, the development of new technologies and the introduction of alternative pigments could also impact the size of the market.
According to https://oec.world/ :
Titanium oxides are the world’s 2219th most traded product.
In 2020, the top exporters of Titanium oxides were China ($209M), Germany ($116M), France ($70.5M), Japan ($64.2M), and South Korea ($51.4M).
In 2020, the top importers of Titanium oxides were Germany ($73.8M), United States ($60.3M), Japan ($54.7M), China ($48.3M), and India ($47.6M).
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