Major suppliers of titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigments are taking actions to raise prices in an effort to reverse what one industry source called "catastrophic" price erosion over the past year due to economic downturns worldwide and the impact on TiO2 demand.

Suppliers announced plans to raise prices by 5o/lb. in the United States and by 10o/lb. (Canadian) in Canada, while increases of 150 euros/metric ton have been announced for Europe. Price hikes are also being announced for Latin America, Asia and other export markets.

Industry sources say economic downturns in the United States and abroad have caused price slippage of 12% to 15% in key markets, depending on product grades, with some areas seeing erosion of as much as 20%. Details of the price-increase actions are listed in the Product Price Adjustments section.