Titanium Tetrachloride in China moved higher through May, driven by elevated feedstock costs and steady downstream demand. Early in May, a TiO2 price spike continued lifting Titanium Tetrachloride chlorination cash costs, while integrated producers prioritized internal transfers and environmental checks kept swing chlorinators cautious. By late May, demand from coatings pigment lines and titanium sponge producers remained firm, leaving limited merchant supply and underpinning a bullish tone for Ex-Tianjin Titanium Tetrachloride. Market participants cited tight merchant availability and elevated input costs as key drivers. Architectural coatings makers boosted TiO2 consumption for construction demand, supporting uptake into pigment lines, while sponge producers supplying aerospace mills maintained strong order books, reinforcing demand pillars. In contrast, exports to Southeast Asia were moderately active as captive Titanium Tetrachloride supply absorbed most output. About three-quarters of domestic output continued to be consumed captively, amplifying upstream pressure from TiO2 and constraining Titanium Tetrachloride merchant flows. Looking ahead, a modest near-term upside for Titanium Tetrachloride is anticipated with seasonal cooling later; risks include further TiO2 moves or maritime disruptions.
