News

Latest trade alert: India reinstated anti-dumping duties on Chinese titanium dioxide. Good news for mineral buyers: Zircon sand and titanium ore are NOT included in this tariff. We maintain consistent stock and reliable supply of zircon sand and titanium ore.

Global ilmenite and titanium concentrate markets keep facing tight supply and fluctuating spot prices in 2026. Downstream TiO₂ pigment plants, welding material manufacturers and titanium alloy producers are struggling to lock in consistent, qualified feedstock while balancing cost budgets.

Titanium concentrate prices have continued to trend downward recently, weighed by weak demand fundamentals and ample market supply. As the largest consumption field, the titanium dioxide industry accounts for 75%–80% of total titanium concentrate demand and serves as the core drag on the market. Sluggish recovery in real estate and architectural coatings, alongside limited growth in traditional downstream industries, has left titanium dioxide producers with high finished goods inventories.

Ilmenite is the fundamental raw material for the global titanium industry. As one of the key heavy minerals recovered from placer deposits, ilmenite is commonly associated with zircon and rutile. It is concentrated through gravity separation, magnetic separation and electrostatic separation to obtain high-quality heavy mineral sand. Ilmenite features dark brown to black color, submetallic luster, high density and stable chemical properties.

Summary of Zircon Sand Procurement Key Points: Formula substitution carries performance risks. All alternative solutions must be fully verified before mass production. Long-term contracts help lock prices, yet overseas mines face risks of contract non-performance and shipment delays. It is recommended to cooperate with reliable spot zircon sand suppliers as backup.

As heavy‑weight cargo, zircon‑titanium minerals are highly sensitive to ocean freight volatility. For Chinese exporters selling to India and Pakistan, higher shipping costs squeeze profit margins under both CIF/CFR and FOB terms. Unreliable vessel schedules raise risks of contract breaches and L/C payment rejections. Indian and Pakistani importers may reduce purchases or switch to alternative suppliers. This is a challenge for Chinese exporters.

Preparing for China’s National Day & Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday: Why Industrial Mineral Buyers Should Plan Shipments Early

Tronox has announced a USD 120 per tonne increase for zircon sand in Q4. Meanwhile, sea freight rates to India and Pakistan are set to rise over the next two months, pushing landed costs higher for South Asian zircon importers.