Cristal Global Announces TiO2 Price Increases

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA and HUNT VALLEY, MD USA (Wednesday, June 17, 2009) - Cristal Global (Cristal) announced today that it will increase prices on all of its anatase and rutile Tiona® and Cristal titanium dioxide (TiO2) products sold in Asia Pacific and Latin America.

• In the Asia Pacific: Effective July 1, 2009, or as permitted by contract, prices for all Tiona® and Cristal titanium dioxide (TiO2) products will increase by US $100 per metric ton.
• In Latin America: Effective July 1, 2009, or as permitted by contract, prices for all Tiona® and Cristal titanium dioxide (TiO2) products will increase up to $200 per metric tonne, with the exception of Brazil where prices will increase by US $100 per tonne.

"After a brief period of improved profitability last year, margins have returned to very low levels, at a time when demand is improving and investment is needed to restore idled asset capacity," said John Hall, Vice President - Commercial. "While we are committed to meeting the needs of our customers, we must also act to support the health of our own business."