【市场探“涨”】多家钛白粉企业，同步提价

Core Viewpoint - The price of titanium dioxide, which has been at a cyclical low, has recently increased due to rising costs of upstream materials, particularly sulfuric acid, despite weak demand in the market [1][3][10]. Price Increase - Major titanium dioxide producers have issued price increase notices, raising domestic prices by 700 CNY per ton and international prices by 100 USD per ton [1][3]. - As of December 3, the price in Central China reached 13,300 CNY per ton, an increase of 200 CNY from the previous day [1]. Cost Pressure - The primary driver for the price increase is the significant rise in sulfuric acid prices, which have increased by 47.95% to 57.14% month-on-month in November [5]. - The current industry gross margin is reported at -18%, with expectations of high sulfuric acid prices persisting for the next three months [3][5]. Demand Outlook - Analysts predict limited upward movement in titanium dioxide prices due to ongoing weak demand, particularly as the industry enters a traditional off-season [6][7]. - There is a risk of increased inventory for titanium dioxide producers if new orders do not meet expectations, potentially leading to production cuts [7]. Industry Challenges - The titanium dioxide industry is currently facing a supply-demand imbalance, with prices nearing a 10-year low [9][10]. - Companies without their own mineral sources are nearing losses, while those with sources, like leading firms, are only slightly profitable [10]. Strategic Shifts - The industry is considering structural adjustments and a shift towards high-end products as a potential solution to current challenges [8][10]. - The production process is gradually shifting from the more complex sulfuric acid method to the more efficient chlorination method, which has lower emissions and higher product quality [10][11].