[www.ferro-alloys.com]In May 2016, China's TiO2 price continues to move up. Successive leading domestic TiO2 manufacturers have raised their product prices by about USD77.44/t (RMB500/t). The author believes that the recovery of the domestic real estate market has been the key supporting factor behind the price rises and the recovering global market is also conducive to the recovery of the market.

Market dynamics of Titanium products in May 2016

- Ilmenite

The market price of ilmenite remains high, mainly because ilmenite manufacturers hold optimistic attitudes towards the future market. However, there have been few new orders this month. In Sichuan Province, influenced by the increasing prices of TiO2 and 38%-40% titanium concentrate, market conditions of ilmenite have improved.

- Titanium slag

The price rise of TiO2 has boosted the price of acid dissolved titanium slag. However, Market conditions of high titanium slag are essentially stable and both market price and operating rate remain low because operating rate of the titanium tetrachloride industry remains stable with no increase in the industry's demand for high titanium slag.

Imports and exports of TiO2

In March 2016, China's import & export volumes of TiO2 grew significantly, showing signs of recovery, mainly because the majority of domestic TiO2 manufacturers and dealers resumed operations after China's Lunar New Year.

Company dynamics

In May 2016, Guangdong Huiyun and Zhejiang Shenji applied for entry into the New Third Board.

On 20 May, 2016, Chemours announced that its 200,000 t/a TiO2 project in Altamira, Mexico had begun production. This highly effective and low-cost new production line is expected to help Chemours further improve its TiO2 production efficiency.

• [Editor:Jiang Li Juan ]