2026 China TiO2 Industry: 3 Game-Changing Events (English Summary)
China’s titanium dioxide (TiO₂) industry is undergoing a major transformation in 2026. This article summarizes the 3 most important events that will shape the industry for the next 3 years.
Event 1: Lomon Billions Acquires Venator UK (April 2026)
On April 28, 2026, Lomon Billions (002601.SZ) announced progress in acquiring Venator UK’s TiO₂ business. Venator UK operates a 150,000 tonnes/year chloride-process plant in Greaham, UK.
Significance: First time a Chinese TiO₂ company takes over a complete European production line. Lomon Billions’ global capacity will reach 650,000+ tonnes/year, approaching Kronos.
Event 2: Lubei Chemical Launches 60,000 t/y Chloride Plant (May 2026)
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On May 22, 2026, Lubei Chemical (600727.SH) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Xianghai Technology successfully commissioned the 60,000 t/y chloride TiO₂ expansion project.
Significance: Lubei is the second Chinese company to run chloride TiO₂ at scale (after Lomon Billions). This represents a “three-king” competition in Chinese chloride TiO₂.
Event 3: Tianyuan Group Announces 100,000 t/y Chloride Project (December 2025)
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On December 31, 2025, Tianyuan Group (002386.SZ) announced a 100,000 t/y chloride TiO₂ project by its subsidiary. Tianyuan is a chlor-alkali giant entering TiO₂ as a new player.
Significance: Southwest China will get a new chloride TiO₂ hub. Tianyuan’s chlorine integration gives it cost advantages.
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Three Key Trends
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- Chloride process growth: From 5% to 15-20% of Chinese capacity by 2030
- EU CBAM 2026: Carbon border tax gives chloride TiO₂ 30-40% advantage
- Sulfate process consolidation: Small sulfate plants will exit due to GB 32051-2024 energy limits
Data Sources
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- 巨潮资讯网 (Cninfo) public announcements from Lomon Billions (002601), Lubei Chemical (600727), Tianyuan Group (002386) — 2025-2026
- GB 32051-2024 Energy consumption standard for TiO₂ pigments (effective 2025-05-01)
- EU Commission CBAM regulation 2026
- Coatingol.com / Sublime China Information 2024-2025 industry data
This article is an original translation by TBF (Titanium Dioxide Circle) — data accurate as of July 2026.