The cost of titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a significant factor in the pricing of coatings, with paint companies facing challenges due to price rises. In December 2017, US paintmaker PPG announced price increases for its industrial coating range. Additionally, there were fluctuations in the prices of European fused magnesia and lithium hydroxide in the Chinese domestic market. The market conditions indicated that prices were unlikely to ease until the end of the year, impacting the end prices of coatings.