钛白粉行业短期仍不乐观

Core Viewpoint - The global titanium dioxide industry is facing significant challenges due to a supply-demand imbalance, with production rates declining and prices remaining weak, leading to severe impacts on profitability for Western producers [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Overview - Over the past four years, the titanium dioxide industry has experienced a substantial decline in operating rates, with a forecasted drop below 70% due to an increase in production capacity outpacing demand growth [1][2]. - In 2021, the industry was still healthy, with a global demand of 7.6 million tons, a net increase of 740,000 tons from 2017, and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6% [1]. - However, from 2021 to 2024, demand growth slowed significantly to an average of 0.8% per year, with only a net increase of 180,000 tons, while production capacity increased by 790,000 tons, exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance [1][2]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Major Western producers have seen a drastic reduction in profitability over the past four years, with Conoco's operating profit margin dropping from 9% in 2021 to 6% in 2024, and further declining to 2% in the first three quarters of 2025 [2]. - Similarly, Teno's operating profit margin fell from 16% to 7%, with only 1% in the first three quarters of 2025, while Chemours' titanium technology division's adjusted EBITDA margin halved from 24% to 12% [2]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - Geopolitical uncertainties have further complicated the industry's challenges, with customers reducing inventory due to these uncertainties, impacting sales and pricing structures [2]. - Conoco reported that while domestic market sales in Europe and the U.S. offset export declines, prices faced significant pressure, with a cumulative decline of 6% in the first three quarters of 2025 despite a 2% increase at the beginning of the year [2]. Group 4: Future Outlook - In response to the industry challenges, global titanium dioxide producers are focusing on capacity optimization and trade policy adjustments to restore supply-demand balance [3]. - Conoco has indicated that a large-scale capacity reduction process has begun, with several factories in China and Europe shutting down, and the implementation of anti-dumping taxes expected to support price recovery in 2026 [3]. - Teno's CEO noted potential demand recovery in the fourth quarter of 2025, signaling a positive outlook despite the current market conditions [3].