The west needs to head towards more multipolar titanium world
From a strategic standpoint, the goal for the West is not necessarily to surpass China in titanium production, but to ensure a resilient, secure supply chain. By 2030s, success would mean ensuring enough domestic and allied supply of titanium sponge for defense needs, enough titanium pigment supply options, and a diverse set of titanium mines globally so a disruption in one region cannot cripple industries.
We expect a more multipolar world:
- China is, and will remain, a heavyweight across all titanium sectors into the 2030s
- Russian capacity, dependent on geopolitics, could potentially return to global markets
- and new supply across secure regions in the West alliance, such as Empire Metals in Australia, to come online.
- In particular, TiO₂ players with chloride-process expertise and access to alternative feedstocks emerge as strategic partners in ensuring supply chain resilience.
The US and allies are now actively working to reshape the titanium supply chain through targeted investment, allied cooperation, and strategic project development. Projects like Empire’s Pitfield, combined with TiO₂ industry innovation and government-backed sponge initiatives, have potential to be genuine game changers that help build a more resilient, multipolar titanium supply ecosystem.
