Titanium dioxide prices in China have stabilised after a year of decline, with domestic and export levels now hovering around USD 2.15 and 1.94 per kg respectively. For Europe’s coatings producers, however, relief remains limited.

After a year‑long decline, China’s titanium dioxide (TiO₂) market has reached a temporary floor. According to market data reported by Fibre2Fashion, domestic TiO₂ prices in China averaged around USD 2.15/kg (≈ EUR 2.00/kg) by late 2025, while export quotations settled at approximately USD 1.94/kg (≈ EUR 1.80/kg). The stabilisation follows weak downstream demand, excess inventories, and shrinking margins among producers.

However, what appears to be market equilibrium in China does not automatically translate into good news for the European coatings sector. In fact, further price reductions would have been more beneficial for paint and coating makers. TiO₂ remains one of the most cost‑relevant raw materials in coatings production – not because of its unit price, but due to the large volumes used and the lack of adequate technical substitutes. With the price slide halted, there is now little prospect of additional cost relief.

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Compounding this, the EU’s anti‑dumping duties on Chinese TiO₂ continue to restrict access to lower‑priced pigment grades from Asia. As a result, European producers remain largely shielded from global price movements – but also unable to benefit from lower international prices.

At the same time, LB Group’s acquisition of Venator’s TiO₂ plant in Greatham, UK, is a strategic step towards building local production capacity within Europe. While it may improve supply reliability in the medium term, it is unlikely to bring immediate price relief.

For European paint and coating manufacturers, the current situation is a pause, not a respite. Stabilising Chinese prices prevent further shocks but offer no new advantages. With trade barriers still active and production costs high, profitability in Europe will depend on supply diversification, formulation optimisation, and resource efficiency rather than on relief from raw‑material markets.

Source: European Coatings