Britain’s Trade Remedies Authority has proposed a five-year duty on Chinese rutile titanium dioxide, a whitening agent used in paints, plastics and paper. Its investigation found dumping and a threat to domestic production. The proposed rates vary by exporters’ cooperation with the investigation; comments are open until October 26 before the final recommendation.
Britain’s Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), which investigates unfair trade practices, proposed an import duty on Chinese rutile titanium dioxide on October 7. The substance is used as a whitening agent in paints, coatings, plastics and paper. The authority concluded that the imports were dumped and posed an imminent threat of injury to domestic production. Its recommendation would impose a mixed duty for five years.[1], [2]
For exporters cooperating with the investigation, the proposed percentage rate is 48.29 per cent; for other exporters it is 63.66 per cent. Each category also has a minimum duty per kilogram. The calculation yielding the higher tariff revenue would apply. The investigation examined January–December 2025, while the recommendation remains preliminary and has not become a definitive duty.[1]
The TRA identified increased Chinese production capacity and trade measures in other markets as factors in exports being directed towards Britain. The relevant UK manufacturing industry employs more than 570 people, with hundreds also employed in industries that use the product. The authority is taking comments on its statement of essential facts until October 26, before submitting its final recommendation to the business minister.[1]
