What Are the Benefits for Titanium Dioxide Exports After the European Union (EU) Removes Carcinogenic Label?

Recently, the titanium dioxide industry received major news: the European Union Court rejected the appeals from France and the European Commission, upholding the ruling to revoke the carcinogenic classification of titanium dioxide powder. Industry insiders generally believe this is a positive development for Chinese titanium dioxide companies, and exports may see significant growth.

Sun Zheyu, Deputy Secretary-General of the Titanium Dioxide Sub-center of the National Chemical Productivity Promotion Center, pointed out that the EU court's ruling should be beneficial for China's titanium dioxide exports in both the short and long term. The immediate benefit is that the removal of the carcinogenic label will reduce compliance costs and trade barriers for exports to the EU, significantly enhancing the competitiveness of Chinese products. The export volume is expected to experience explosive growth.

According to customs statistics, China's total export volume of titanium dioxide in 2024 was 1.9017 million tons, with exports to the European Union fluctuating between 210,000 to 250,000 tons, accounting for 10% to 13% of the total annual export volume. In January and February 2025, the export volume to the EU was 26,900 tons, and it is expected that the annual export volume to the EU will remain around 180,000 tons, a decrease compared to 2024.

The 5.86% year-on-year decline in exports in the first half of 2025 has already reflected the pressure on the industry, and the new ruling is expected to alleviate the industry's downturn. As a global high-end market (accounting for about 15%-20% of China's exports), the recovery of demand in the EU holds greater strategic significance for leading domestic enterprises. Sun Zheyu believes that companies should establish a sound market monitoring mechanism, closely track changes in EU market policies and regulations, competitor dynamics, and market demand, in order to maintain market competitiveness.

Previously, the carcinogenic label had imposed numerous restrictions on China's titanium dioxide in the EU market, causing many customers to reduce orders or switch to alternatives due to concerns about potential risks. The EU court's decision to annul the carcinogenic classification of titanium dioxide has opened the door for Chinese titanium dioxide companies to the EU market. However, Sun Zheyu reminds companies to be aware of potential challenges: the EU's ban on the food additive titanium dioxide (E171) remains in effect, and there may be a trust crisis in the cosmetics field (such as sunscreen agents), with non-industrial sectors recovering more slowly.

Sun Zheyu pointed out that the extended controversy of this incident has not truly ended. Currently, the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) still classifies titanium dioxide as a Group 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans). The European Court ruling only negated its administrative classification, and the scientific community's differences remain unresolved. Future new research may again trigger policy reversals. "Label revocation" does not equal "zero risk": the court did not deny the potential inhalation risk, only determined that the original classification basis was insufficient. Downstream industries (such as paint application, etc.) still need to strengthen occupational protection to avoid liability disputes. There is a policy divide between the food and industrial sectors: the EU bans food additive E171 but revokes the carcinogenic label for industrial products, which may lead to public questioning of standard consistency, requiring enhanced cross-sector risk communication.

Ni Xiaoguang, Chairman of Jiangsu Fanhua Chemical Technology Co., Ltd., believes that after the EU revoked the carcinogenic classification of titanium dioxide (titanium white powder) in powder form, related products no longer need to be labeled with carcinogenic risk warnings, thereby lowering the market entry threshold and simplifying the export compliance process. There is no longer a need for additional investment to meet packaging, labeling, and transportation requirements related to carcinogenic classification, which reduces compliance costs, as well as the need to bear extra testing or alternative material development expenses arising from such classification. Chinese enterprises should seize this opportunity to continuously improve product quality and environmental standards, further gain the trust of EU customers, and consolidate their position in the international market.

Industry analyst Yang Xun from Yan Taitai believes that the claim that titanium dioxide is carcinogenic, proposed by the EU, was proven to be a false proposition years ago. The recent EU court ruling was an anticipated outcome. On one hand, China's titanium dioxide has very clear advantages; not only is the EU's dependency on the global market gradually increasing, but as the quality of China's titanium dioxide continues to improve, its ability to replace overseas products is also strengthening, and technical barriers will gradually be resolved. On the other hand, the EU's previous anti-dumping investigation on Chinese titanium dioxide was actually a protection of outdated production capacities. Similar to this event, the market is not protected by such incidents but is certainly won through comprehensive competitiveness centered on the product itself.

Ou Hongchu, Sales Manager of Guangxi Jinmao Titanium Co., Ltd., believes that the biggest obstacle to China’s titanium dioxide exports is the EU’s anti-dumping measures. The market outlook should be approached with cautious optimism.

Yang Xun stated that overall, this is good news. When exporting Chinese titanium dioxide to EU countries, there is no need to worry too much. It is enough to ensure product quality, develop the market well, and provide good customer service.