The price of small and medium-sized ilmenite continued to rise slightly in January, with an increase of about 50 yuan / ton, and the price of large factories continued to maintain stability. so far, Panxi Dachang 47 mine20 ilmenite is quoted at 2350-2480 yuan / ton. the tax-free transaction price of 46 ilmenite for small and medium-sized ore is 2190-2200 yuan / ton, and the tax-free quotation for 38jingjin42 mine is 1550-1580 yuan / ton. In January, the market was affected by the increase in the export of raw materials of Panzhihua Iron and Steel Co., but the supply of low-phosphorus titanium concentrate was still tight, the prices of small and medium-sized plants were stable, the market supply and demand of high-phosphorus titanium concentrate was basically balanced, and the price remained firm. As the Spring Festival holiday approached, the stocks of downstream enterprises increased one after another, the overall supply and demand of titanium ore market maintained a tight balance, and the cost of raw materials was high, and the price of titanium ore in Panxi region was high. In January, downstream titanium dioxide enterprises have maintenance plans, titanium ore prices are high, some manufacturers are optimistic about the market after the new year, and titanium ore prices are expected to rise again.
The imported titanium ore market is running well, the price of Mozambique titanium ore is US $415 / ton, the market price of Australian titanium ore is US $390 / ton, and the price of Kenya 47-49 ore is not quoted for the time being. The price of climbing ore is high, and the price of imported titanium ore remains high. According to customs data, China imported 4.2719 million tons of titanium ore (including medium ore wool ore) in 2023, an increase of 23.03% over the whole of 2022, an increase of 800000 tons over the same period last year, mostly for medium ore wool ores. It is calculated that the overall import of concentrate this year is about 2.5 million tons, a slight increase over last year, and the overall titanium ore is still in a tight state. Recently, the spot of imported titanium ore in the market is tight, enterprise orders are arranged before the festival, some imported mines will arrive in Hong Kong one after another after the festival, and the price of imported ore will operate steadily.
Titanium slag
The spot price of acid slag has risen this month, with an increase of about 300yuan / ton. up to now, the factory price including tax in Sichuan is 5620 yuan / ton, and that in Yunnan is 5300 yuan / ton. During the dry season in Yunnan, electricity prices have increased 1.5-1.7 times since January 1, acid slag costs have increased significantly, enterprise production losses, coupled with the shortage of spot market, enterprise order orders as much as before the festival, acid slag prices have risen steadily.
The market of high titanium slag is under pressure. The bidding price in January is 90 yuan / ton higher than that in December, the price in February is the same as the previous month, and the price of 90 low calcium and magnesium high slag is 7850-7950 yuan / ton. The raw material is high and the production cost of high slag enterprises is under great pressure. Although the price has been adjusted twice in a row, it is still difficult for enterprises to break even their profits and losses. The market is weak, high slag enterprises are underemployed, the spot market is tight this month, and some enterprises have yet to issue orders, high slag prices are expected to rise again.
Titanium tetrachloride
Titanium tetrachloride market operates steadily, the market price of titanium tetrachloride is 6300-6500 yuan / ton, the price of raw materials remains high, the cost of titanium tetrachloride remains high, the market price of sponge titanium is low, the semi-process enterprises reduce production and stop production, the demand for titanium tetrachloride decreases, the sales volume outside the factory decreases, the market supply and demand is basically balanced, and the market price remains stable.
Titanium dioxide
The titanium dioxide market fell first and then rose in January. with the price increase of titanium dioxide enterprises, a total of 20 enterprises in the market sent letters announcing an increase of 500-1000 yuan / ton. up to now, the tax-containing ex-factory price of rutile titanium dioxide in China is 15400-16200 yuan / ton. the tax-containing ex-factory price of anatase titanium dioxide is 13800-14500 yuan / ton. Due to the weak operation of the titanium dioxide market, the prices of most enterprises were adjusted at the beginning of the month, the price of titanium dioxide was low, more than 10 enterprises in the market were overhauled one after another, the manufacturers consumed more inventory, and the spot supply was gradually tight. and some market people think that the price has hit bottom and the market begins to prepare goods; titanium dioxide export market maintains well, enterprises have more orders on hand, and some manufacturers control orders, and the market low price shows an increase of 200 yuan / ton. In the middle of the month, the terminal price of titanium white dragon enterprise canceled the discount, due to the shortage of inventory, coupled with the high cost, the titanium dioxide market ushered in a rising price tide. After the price increase of the dragon enterprise, the market enterprises followed the price adjustment, and the low price of titanium dioxide rose one after another; the inventory of manufacturers was low, and some large factories sealed orders. In February, there were about 10 enterprises in the market for inspection and repair, titanium dioxide supply is still tight, coupled with the high cost of raw materials, titanium dioxide prices are expected to rise again.
Sponge titanium
In January, the sponge titanium market was weak, the first-grade sponge titanium market quoted price was 4.8-49000 yuan / ton, the raw material price of sponge titanium was high, and the production cost of enterprises was under great pressure; before the festival, downstream enterprises completed stock preparation one after another, due to market oversupply, the price of sponge titanium was stable and downward, and the market purchasing sentiment was still cautious. In February, the new production capacity of Longbai, Panzhihua Steel and Xiangrun continued to be released, and the operation pressure of the sponge titanium market is greater, and the price of sponge titanium is expected to be weak and stable.
Market forecast for February:
1. The supply and demand of titanium ore is balanced, the demand may increase after the festival, and the price is expected to rise.
2. the inventory of titanium dioxide is low, the cost of raw materials is high, and the price is expected to rise again.
3. The sponge titanium market is in excess supply, the raw materials are high, and the price is expected to run weakly and stably.
