China faces fresh Indian duties on titanium dioxide imports: Anti-dumping levy of $460-$681 per tonne reimposed for five years

India has reimposed anti-dumping duties of $460 to $681 per tonne on specified titanium dioxide imports from China for five years, following a fresh investigation into injury to domestic manufacturers. The Finance Ministry notified the levy on Saturday. The move could raise input costs for paint makers and other industries, potentially affecting prices, while certain pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and textile applications remain excluded.

India has reimposed anti-dumping duties ranging from $460 to $681 per tonne on specified titanium dioxide imports from China for five years, after a fresh investigation found that dumped imports had caused material injury to domestic manufacturers. The Finance Ministry notified the levy on Saturday, following a recommendation by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) in its final findings dated August 3, 2026. The move could raise input costs for paint makers and other industries that use the chemical, although the impact on retail prices will depend on how manufacturers respond.

India has reimposed anti-dumping duty on Chinese titanium dioxideThe latest decision follows a legal challenge by the

Indian Paint Association, after which the Calcutta High Court ordered the authorities to reconsider the earlier duty imposed in May 2025. In the fresh investigation, the DGTR concluded that specified titanium dioxide imports originating in or exported from China were being sold in India at dumped prices. It also found that these imports had caused material injury to the domestic industry and posed a threat of further injury.

The authority recommended reimposing the duty to address the harm to Indian producers. The government has now accepted the recommendation and notified the revised levy.

Anti-dumping duties are imposed on imports sold at prices considered unfairly low when they harm domestic producers. They are intended to provide relief to local manufacturers rather than serve as a general import tax.

How much anti-dumping duty will apply to Chinese titanium dioxide?The duty varies according to the producer and the applicable category. Under the government notification, the rates range from $460 to $681 per metric tonne.

The notified rates include:

* $460 per tonne: Specified producers, including LB Group companies and other listed manufacturers.

* $510 per tonne: Listed non-sampled cooperative producers.

* $563 per tonne: Specified producers, including Shandong Jinhai Titanium Resources Technology Co. Ltd. and Shandong Xianghai Titanium Co. Ltd.

* $609 per tonne: Anhui Gold Star Titanium Dioxide (Group) Co. Ltd.

* $681 per tonne: Other producers covered by the notification, including cases where the prescribed conditions for an individual rate are not met.The individual rates are conditional on importers presenting a valid commercial invoice containing a declaration identifying the manufacturer and confirming the accuracy of the information. If the required invoice is not produced, the rate applicable to other producers will apply.

The duty is payable in Indian currency and will remain in force for five years from the notification's publication, unless changed earlier.

What is titanium dioxide and why is it important?Titanium dioxide, commonly known as TiO2, is a white pigment widely used to give products whiteness, brightness and opacity. It is an important raw material for the paints and coatings industry and is also used in plastics and several other industrial applications.

The product covered by the notification falls under customs tariff items 2823 00 10, 3206 11 10 and 3206 11 90. However, the government has clarified that customs classification is indicative and the duty will be determined according to the description of the product covered by the order.

Certain uses of titanium dioxide are excluded from the duty's scope. These include specified grades used in food additives, pharmaceutical tablet coatings, cosmetics and sunscreen products, textile and fibre production, and nano or ultrafine titanium dioxide with a particle size below 100 nanometres used for specified applications.

The exclusions are subject to the descriptions and conditions set out in the notification.

Will paint prices increase after the duty on Chinese imports?The duty could increase the cost of importing specified Chinese titanium dioxide grades, potentially putting pressure on paint manufacturers and other businesses that depend on the pigment.

However, a rise in input costs does not automatically translate into higher retail prices. The eventual impact will depend on factors such as manufacturers' existing inventories, alternative sources of supply, domestic availability, procurement costs and their ability to absorb additional expenses.

The measure may also offer some protection to domestic titanium dioxide producers by addressing competition from imports that the DGTR found were being dumped in India.