Record-High Sulfur Prices Drive Titanium Dioxide Production Costs Higher

The titanium dioxide industry is facing unprecedented cost pressurein 2026 as sulfur prices continue to surge to record levels.

Sulfur is the primary raw material used to produce sulfuric acid, anessential input for the sulfate process—the dominant manufacturing route fortitanium dioxide in China.

At the beginning of 2026, sulfur prices in China were around RMB3,800–4,100 per metric ton. By June 2026, prices had climbed to anall-time high of approximately RMB 11,000 per metric ton, representingan increase of nearly 190% within just six months.

Based on the typical sulfur consumption of 1.3–1.5 tons per tonof titanium dioxide, the increase in sulfur prices alone has raised theproduction cost of sulfate-process titanium dioxide by approximately RMB9,000–10,500 per metric ton compared with the beginning of the year.

In addition to sulfur, prices of sulfuric acid, energy, freight, andother raw materials have also increased, further squeezing manufacturers'margins. As a result, many titanium dioxide producers have announced multipleprice increases to partially offset soaring production costs.

Current titanium dioxide price increases are therefore primarily cost-driven,reflecting the sharp escalation in raw material and manufacturing expensesrather than a significant change in downstream demand.

As a global supplier of titanium dioxide, TITANOS remainscommitted to providing stable product quality, reliable supply, andprofessional service to customers worldwide. We will continue to monitor marketdevelopments closely and work with our manufacturing partners to ensurelong-term, sustainable supply for our customers.