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| US titanium capacity |
Titanium Supply Chains Face Geopolitical Pressures
The US must expand titanium sponge and melt capacity to secure aerospace supply chains. Titanium is critical for defense, aerospace, and medical applications, yet domestic production largely serves pigments. Meanwhile, China controls over 75% of titanium metals, increasing geopolitical risk for Western manufacturers. Project Blue warns that limited US titanium metal capacity could disrupt Boeing and Airbus production if imports are constrained.
Domestic Expansion Efforts and Investment
Timet and American Titanium Metal are investing in US titanium melting and rolling capacity. Timet is expanding ingot production in Pennsylvania and building a new melt facility in West Virginia. Meanwhile, Project Aero in North Carolina will produce aerospace-grade titanium, potentially operational by 2027. These projects aim to reduce reliance on imports and support growing NATO and commercial aerospace demand.
Market Demand and Strategic Implications
Aerospace-grade titanium demand will rise with Boeing, Airbus, and military programs. Titanium metal constitutes up to 40% of fighter jet airframe weight, emphasizing strategic importance. Meanwhile, pigment production dominates mined titanium, highlighting a supply gap for defense applications. Therefore, expanding US titanium sponge and melt capacity is critical to maintaining secure supply chains.
ScrapInsight Commentary
US titanium supply faces strategic risk due to reliance on Chinese and Russian exports. Domestic melt and sponge capacity expansion could stabilize aerospace production. This shift also highlights opportunities for secure, defense-focused metal recycling and raw material sourcing.
