MULTINATIONAL PIGMENT SUPPLIERS AIM TO PUSH UP PRICES AGAIN IN Q4 2017 - BUT EVER SO DISCREETLY

摘要

Global TiO2 pigment demand is still growing strongly and pigment inventories at both producer and customer locations are at levels that are "normal" or even "below normal". Major multinationals are running most of their pigment plants at high levels of capacity utilisation (92-100%). In China, much more stringent enforcement of anti-pollution regulations has led to the closure of a number of small and medium-size TiO2 plants, making it easier for the country's larger producers, with more modern facilities, to increase their plant operating rates to more economic levels. Soaring costs of ilmenite feedstock in China have prompted pigment manufacturers there to raise their prices for both domestic and export sales.