In Europe, the downstream paints and coatings sector presented weak demand in front of the titanium dioxide manufacturers, and thus, the titanium dioxide price trend experienced a gradual decline in its trajectory. Additionally, the pressure of inflation and increasing bank interest rates lowered the spending appetite of consumers which had an adverse effect on the titanium dioxide price trends. Further, the export and import of titanium dioxide were also caught under the negative influence of the poor economic conditions of the market.

Some dealers quoted prices that were significantly higher than expected, sending the domestic market to an almost three-year high. Meanwhile, a similar scenario was observed in the Indian market, where titanium dioxide prices (rutile grade) for rose by 8% from January to March. The increase was attributed to strong demand from the domestic paints and coatings sector as well as premium cargo from China.

If you want to avoid titanium dioxide, Stoiber and Faber urge consumers to try and avoid processed foods as best as you can.

In food products, E171 is not a singular ingredient; it’s always combined with other ingredients (e.g., proteins and fats) in the food product. Digesting food is a slow process for the body compared to drinking a beverage, which passes much faster through the body.