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Calm on the surface, pressure beneath: EU titanium dioxide tariffs’ impact on paint industry
Since January 2025, the European Union has imposed anti-dumping duties on titanium dioxide (TiO₂) imports from China – a move that initially sparked concern across the European paints and coatings industry. Many feared supply disruptions, sharp price increases, or delays in reformulation efforts. Now, several months into the new regime, the dust is beginning to settle — but how have businesses actually been affected? By Damir Gagro.
While the industry’s initial reaction was marked by uncertainty, current operational effects are surprisingly limited. Several manufacturers reported that their daily business has continued without interruption.
I spoke to Flügger, Meffert Farbwerke, Śnieżka, Teknos and Vitex about their observations. The five coatings manufacturers’ verdict: the effects so far are limited — but strategic shifts are underway, and the full impact may yet unfold.
Immediate operational impacts
Armodios Yannidis, CEO of Vitex Group, noted that Chinese suppliers and their traders have ceased offering competitive options, effectively removing them from the market. Despite this, he observed that availability remains ample due to current low demand. However, he anticipates that prices will rise once demand increases, estimating that, without the tariffs, prices would have dropped by 30%. In response, Vitex Group has increased its safety stocks of TiO₂. To bolster resilience against future geopolitical trade measures, Yannidis advocates for diversifying suppliers, favoring local sources, and adopting a “just-in-case” inventory strategy over “just-in-time.”
Similarly, Piotr Mikrut, CEO of Śnieżka Group, reported no significant operational disruptions, as the company primarily sources materials produced in Europe. While there has been a slight increase in TiO₂ prices, availability remains high, mitigating substantial changes. Śnieżka Group continues to monitor the situation closely and maintains regular communication with partners, emphasizing the importance of supplier diversification and collaboration with local partners to enhance resilience.
Reading tip: Titanium Dioxide
The EC Tech Report Titanium Dioxide shows you deep insights into cost optimization, improving TiO₂ properties, improving coating properties and legislation. Learn more about the latest developments in coatings formulation with a view to lowering the content of TiO₂ in paint, for example, by exploiting synergies with functional or synthetic fillers. Find out how the pigment is being optimised to customer wishes to make it easier to handle and, at the same time, less expensive. Read the latest papers about titanium dioxide based nanotechnology for smart and functional coatings and understand methods of optimising titanium dioxide performance. Get an overview of the current situation regarding labelling rules as well as an outlook on the future.
Strategic adjustments and long-term considerations
Paula Salastie, CEO of Teknos, highlighted a notable increase in inquiries from European customers regarding the tariffs’ impacts. In contrast, Chinese and Asian customers have proactively initiated production transfers, prompting Teknos to reassess its manufacturing and warehousing footprint, as well as sourcing and personnel policies. Salastie expressed concerns over the closure of European TiO₂ manufacturing sites post-tariff implementation, which has negatively affected the availability of specialized TiO₂ grades and limited supplier options. This situation necessitates additional R&D activities, reformulation, and product testing, placing a strain on personnel and requiring further investments due to capacity shifts and certification costs. Salastie anticipates more significant shifts ahead, emphasizing the need for increased stock levels, enhanced communication, and training to safeguard against external pressures like tariffs. She warns that, in the long term, these duties could lead to trade barriers, disintegration of collaboration models, raw material scarcity, diminished innovation in Europe, and potential manufacturing transfers outside the EU, adversely affecting the European economy. Salastie underscores the necessity of collaborating with policymakers to maintain a competitive and sustainable EU paints and coatings industry.
Conversely, Klaus Meffert, CEO of Meffert Farbwerke, and Sune Schnack, CEO of Flügger, reported no significant impacts from the tariffs. Meffert stated that the company has not faced any challenges or required any measures in response to the duties. Schnack noted that Flügger, as a quality brand using only TMP-free TiO₂ from the EU, remains unaffected but hopes the tariffs will elevate prices in the lower market segments.
These insights reflect a spectrum of experiences within the European paint and coatings industry following the EU’s imposition of anti-dumping duties on Chinese TiO₂. While some companies have encountered operational challenges and are implementing strategic adjustments, others report minimal to no immediate effects. The industry’s response underscores the importance of supply chain diversification, proactive planning, and collaboration with policymakers to navigate the evolving trade landscape.
Industry voices from 2024: Insights on the introduction of TiO₂ tariffs starting January 2025
Paula Salastie, CEO of Teknos, expresses concern over the proposed anti-dumping duties on titanium dioxide from China, warning of significant risks to the competitiveness and sustainability of the European paint and coatings industry. Here you can read the full interview.
Nicolas Dujardin, COO of Océinde, voices his concerns about the recently implemented anti-dumping duties on titanium dioxide from China, warning that these measures could undermine the competitiveness and environmental goals of the EU’s paints and coatings industry. Read the whole statements here.
Reg Adams, titanium dioxide expert and managing director of Artikol, discusses the impact of the EU’s anti-dumping duties on Chinese TiO₂ for the paint and coatings industry. Read Adams’ views here.
