The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of rutile titanium dioxide from China, following an application from a UK producer.
Launched on 3 March 2026, the case will examine whether these imports are being dumped into the UK and whether this has caused injury to domestic industry. The investigation will assess evidence across defined periods and determine whether trade remedies are warranted.
Investigation Launched by the TRA
The TRA announced that it has opened an anti-dumping investigation into imports of rutile titanium dioxide from China. The case was initiated in response to an application submitted by a UK producer.
The authority will determine whether dumping is occurring and whether such imports are causing injury to UK industry. The investigation was formally launched on 3 March 2026.
Allegations of Dumping and Injury
The application alleges that Chinese exporters are selling rutile titanium dioxide into the UK below their normal value. It also claims that there is a particular market situation in China that prevents a fair price comparison.
Alleged injury to the UK industry includes price depression and suppression, reduced profitability and constraints on raising capital. The application further cites a threat of future injury linked to production capacity and import trends.
- Alleged sales below normal value
- Claims of price depression and reduced profitability
- Concerns over production capacity and rising imports
Scope of the Investigation
The investigation covers rutile titanium dioxide pigments containing at least 80% titanium dioxide by weight, under specified UK commodity codes. The period of investigation for imports runs from 1 January to 31 December 2025.
The TRA will assess injury to UK producers over the period from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2025. Evidence gathered during these periods will inform its findings.
Investigation periods and product scope
| Import investigation period | 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 |
| Injury assessment period | 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2025 |
| Product covered | Rutile titanium dioxide pigments with at least 80% titanium dioxide content |
Investigation Process and Possible Outcomes
The TRA will invite interested parties to register and may sample exporters, importers and UK producers if required. It will issue questionnaires, verify submitted information and assess whether dumping and injury exist.
If sufficient evidence is found during the investigation, the TRA may make a provisional determination and recommend that importers provide guarantees against potential duties.
Should a remedy be recommended, the authority will conduct an Economic Interest Test before making a final recommendation to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.
Investigation stages referenced in the notice
| Registration of interest | Interested parties invited to register via the Trade Remedies Service |
| Evidence gathering | Questionnaires, data verification and potential sampling |
| Provisional determination | Possible recommendation for guarantees against duties if evidence supports action |
| Final recommendation | Submission to the Secretary of State following Economic Interest Test |
Business Participation and Registration
Businesses that believe they may be affected can register their interest on the investigation’s public file. The TRA has also announced an online drop-in session on 6 March 2026 to provide information and answer questions.
The TRA online drop-in session.
UK producers concerned about unfair trading practices may contact the TRA’s Advisory Service for guidance. Registration deadlines and procedural steps are set out in the notice of initiation.
- Registration via the Trade Remedies Service
- Online information session on 6 March 2026
- Advisory Service contact for UK producers
In a Nutshell
The Trade Remedies Authority has opened an anti-dumping investigation into imports of rutile titanium dioxide from China following allegations of unfair pricing and injury to UK industry.
The investigation will examine defined import and injury periods and follow statutory procedures before any recommendation is made. Businesses affected are invited to register and participate in the evidence-gathering process.
Sources: Trade Remedies Authority.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.