Another interesting read TiO2
Production of titanium dioxide in China slowed over the winter months. The increased use of energy for house heating increased air pollution, particularly in the TiO2 producing hub of Panzihua, in Sichuan.
Many producers are reported to have used the period to idle capacity and conduct repairs, with other sites periodically closed down by snap inspections triggered every time the air quality dropped below an acceptable level.
Market participants report that production has seen a strong rebound across China, with temperatures rising, and environmental restrictions have been lifted.
But western consumers expect continued restrictions on Chinese supply, given the lon- term focus on preserving air quality.
"They’ve been pretty clear about what they want to do. They aren’t going to change course now," one buyer told Industrial Minerals. "The increase was seasonal, as we expected, but it doesn’t change the picture."