Overview of 2020 in Titanium Industry
- 2020 was marked by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed economic activity worldwide. However, the Chinese titanium industry demonstrated resilience, maintaining strong demand and growth despite temporary disruptions.
- A historic achievement occurred on November 10, 2020: the manned submersible “Fendouzhe”, equipped with a titanium alloy cabin developed by Baoti Group, descended to 10,909 meters in the Mariana Trench—a new national record. This achievement underscored China’s leadership in deep-sea titanium applications.
Titanium Processing Sector
- Despite the pandemic, Chinese titanium companies largely remained robust. Many enterprises used the downtime to improve management, train staff, and refine production.
- Key companies’ performance in 2020:
- Dingsheng Vacuum Technology (Baoji): 2019 revenue ~18 million CNY; 2020 orders exceeded 35 million CNY.
- Jushengyuan, Xinnuo, Topda Titanium, Tiancheng Aviation Materials: Full-capacity production and continued growth.
- Companies are focusing on high-quality production and diversification. Military and civilian titanium applications mutually reinforce industry growth, providing stable demand.
Sponge Titanium Industry
- Sponge titanium’s market saw significant volatility in 2020. Prices fluctuated sharply—from 80,000 CNY/ton in April to 42,000–45,000 CNY/ton, before stabilizing at 59,000–64,000 CNY/ton by December.
- Analysis of historical production data (2011–2020) shows that sponge titanium production growth closely follows titanium processing demand. The 2020 output (~100,000 tons) marked a milestone for China’s sponge titanium industry.
- Industry consolidation is forming three main regional blocks:
- Liaoning Block – JinTai Co., Baoti Huashen, Chaoyang Baisheng
- Sichuan Block – Pangang Sponge Titanium, Shengfeng Titanium
- Henan Block – Longmang Baili (Jinchuan Titanium & Yunnan Xinli), Shuangrui Wanji
- These “flagship-style” industrial blocks strengthen supply chains and stabilize the market.
Titanium Consumer Products (Civilian Applications)
- Civilian titanium products—household items like cups, pots, cutlery—have grown rapidly in recent years.
- Early applications were mainly gifts; now companies like Xinuo Co., Supor, Aishida, and Baoti Group are producing functional and high-quality titanium consumer goods.
- Titanium’s biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, durability, and safety make it highly attractive for health-conscious consumers.
- Similar to stainless steel’s evolution from military to civilian use, titanium is following the same path, promising a vast emerging market for civilian products.
Outlook
- The titanium industry continues to demonstrate strong momentum:
- Sponge titanium demand remains stable and growing.
- Military applications provide steady growth.
- Civilian applications offer a rapidly expanding market.
- China’s titanium production (~100,000 tons in 2020) is ~50 times larger than in 2000, cementing China’s position as the world’s largest producer and consumer of titanium.
- The industry is expected to maintain high-quality, steady growth through 2021 and the “14th Five-Year Plan” period.
Summary: 2020 was a year of resilience and strategic growth for the Chinese titanium industry. From deep-sea applications to civilian products, titanium continues to expand its influence, with strong demand, technological advancement, and consolidation driving the sector forward.