India: Ferro titanium prices rise on stronger demand, tight supplies

• Demand-supply imbalance supports prices
  
  
• Chinese prices remain stable w-o-w
  
  

Indian ferro titanium (Ti:70%, 1050 mm) prices increased by INR 11,000/t ($116/t) w-o-w to INR 344,000/t ($3,640/t) exw, supported by higher raw material costs, improving demand, and supply tightness in the domestic market. Sellers maintained firm offers amid rising procurement costs and limited spot availability, while buyers remained active with regular need-based purchases.

Market participants reported that supply shortages and constrained inventories continued to support bullish sentiment during the week. Demand from the steel sector improved gradually, adding further support to prices despite selective trading activity at elevated levels. Overall, the market remained firm, with tight availability and stronger demand fundamentals outweighing cautious buying sentiment.

On the other hand, Chinas domestic market remained stable, supported by elevated raw material costs and tight availability of low-priced titanium scrap. Producers mainly focused on executing previous orders, while gradual release of May steel mill tenders supported demand sentiment. However, cautious downstream buying and seasonal weakness in steel consumption are likely to limit significant upside, keeping the market range-bound in the near term.