In Europe, prices for titanium dioxide (TiO2) have been falling since the start of last year, despite manufacturers efforts to stop the negative tend. In the third quarter, rutile TiO2 is selling up to €300/t cheaper than in the first quarter of 2014.
Titanium dioxide prices in Western Europe are continuing on a downward path in the third quarter. However, the pressure on prices seems to be easing. Many titanium dioxide suppliers and converters agreed to leave third quarter prices untouched in negotiations that were largely wrapped up at the end of June. Some prices were reduced again slightly. On the whole, however, European prices have not altered much compared with the previous quarter.
In the third quarter, European demand for titanium dioxide cooled, mostly for seasonal reasons, although sizeable variations still exist from one sales sector to another. According to EUWID respondents, business with the decor paper industry is stable, as it was in the second quarter, with a few titanium dioxide manufacturers in this sector even selling more than last year. The plastics and automotive paint industries are also buying constantly. At the same time, demand from the paint and varnishes sector continues to fall short of expectations.
