Who is the Main Supplier of Titanium?
The global titanium supply chain depends on only a few key players. China leads production, with Baoji city supplying nearly 60% of the world's titanium mill products. Russia and Kazakhstan account for most remaining sponge titanium supply, while the U.S. and Japan focus on high-end aerospace grades.
Key titanium suppliers by product type:
| Product | Top Suppliers | Market Share |
|---|---|---|
| Sponge | China, Russia, Kazakhstan | 85% |
| Ingots | U.S., China, Japan | 75% |
| Mill Products | China (Baoji), U.S., Russia | 70% |
Is There a Global Titanium Shortage?
Yes, but mainly for specific grades and forms. Military/aerospace demand has grown 27% since 2020, while sponge production only increased 9%. We see the worst shortages in:
- Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) aerospace billets
- Seamless tubing for heat exchangers
- Thin gauge (0.5-2mm) sheets
Current lead times (2024):
- Standard grades: 8-12 weeks
- Aerospace grades: 14-22 weeks
- Custom forgings: 16-26 weeks
Where Does the World's Supply of Titanium Come From?
The titanium supply chain has three critical stages:
-
Sponge Production - Converted from mined ilmenite/rutile
- Main sources: China (Panxi region), Russia (VSMPO), Japan
- Capacity: 320,000 tons/year globally
-
Melting/Ingot Production
- VAR (Vacuum Arc Remelting) for aerospace
- EB (Electron Beam) for industrial grades
-
Mill Processing
- Baoji, China handles 60% of global rolling/forging
- U.S. and Europe focus on defense-critical products
Why this matters for buyers:
- Sponge price fluctuations affect final product costs
- Melting method determines material properties
- Geographic risks exist at each transformation stage
At Young Thing Metals, we secure supply through:
✅ Long-term contracts with Baoji mills
✅ Dual sourcing from China + alternative suppliers
✅ On-site quality control at every production stage
✅ Strategic inventory of high-demand grades
!
🔧 Need Help Choosing the Right Alloy?
At Baoji Titanium Factory, we offer tailored solutions in titanium and titanium alloys for aerospace, chemical, marine, and medical industries.
Whether you're comparing titanium vs. superalloy vs. special steel, our experts are here to help.
📩 Contact Olivia: Olivia@titaniumyx.com
📲 WhatsApp: +1 2132548005
💡 Visit our blog for more insights on material selection for extreme environments.
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