MOSCOW (Market Report) - Prices of titanium dioxide continue to rise in the domestic market of Russia, following the worldwide trend, according to ICIS- MRC Price Report.
A wide spread in domestic prices for imported titanium dioxide (TiO2) was seen in the market. Different buyers announced various prices for material of the same producer due to the fact that import TiO2 prices were continuously growing in the first quarter.
To date, the price for a specific TiO2 shipment strongly depends on the lot of material, availability of stocks at a trader's warehouse and a client's purchasing volumes. Some traders in connection with the lack of goods offer the material only to regular customers.
A trader of European TiO2 said some customers agreed on the price of May TiO2 shipments at USD3,800/tonne CPT Moscow, including VAT. A major Russian PVC converter reported that, amid talks about the deficit of titanium dioxide at the moment, he got all the necessary quantities of material.
Another trader said that amid the shortage, large producers are always in a better position, because they are provided with material in the first place.
Export prices of Chinese producers continued to grow last week to USD2,800/tonne FOB China, excluding VAT.
A trader said all quantities of material of the nearest supplies from China has already been reserved for specific customers.
MRC