US titanium capacity faces rising pressure as defense and aerospace demand accelerates worldwide.
Project Blue warns that supply risks could intensify without rapid domestic investment.
Meanwhile, titanium receives less attention than copper or lithium in critical minerals discussions.
Titanium serves defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial setors with few viable substitutes.
The metal offers high strength, low weight, and superior corrosion resistance.
As a result, governments in the US, EU, and Canada classify titanium as a critical mineral.
However, over 90 percent of mined titanium feeds the pigment market as titanium dioxide.
This imbalance leaves aerospace manufacturers exposed to geopolitical supply disruptions.
Project Blue highlights this risk in its report, Metals and the Security of Nations.
US titanium capacity gaps threaten aerospace supply chains
US titanium capacity does not currently support domestic aerospace metal production.
American mines in Florida, Georgia, and Virginia produce feedstock for pigments, not metal.
Therefore, US aerospace firms rely on imported titanium sponge for critical components.
Russia still leads global aerospace-grade titanium sponge supply.
Meanwhile, China expanded its share of titanium metal production beyond 75 percent by 2025.
Project Blue warns this dominance could disrupt Boeing and Airbus production schedules.
China also supports domestic aviation programs like COMAC and Chengdu Aircraft Corporation.
These programs include the C919 jet and the J-36 stealth fighter.
Consequently, titanium supply now intersects directly with global defense competition.
US titanium capacity investments begin to accelerate
US titanium capacity shows early signs of recovery through melt and processing investments.
Timet now builds a new titanium melting facility in West Virginia.
The site uses solar power and battery storage on a former aluminum smelter location.
Timet also expands electron-beam melting capacity in Pennsylvania.
Additionally, American Titanium Metal LLC plans a major aerospace facility in North Carolina.
The Project Aero site could begin operations by 2027.
Demand growth supports these investments across defense and commercial aviation.
Boeing deliveries continue recovering, while NATO defense spending rises.
Therefore, titanium demand should strengthen across fighter jets and commercial aircraft.
SuperMetalPrice Commentary:
US titanium capacity remains the missing link in Western defense supply security.
Mining alone does not solve the problem without sponge and melt capability.
Strategic investment must continue, or geopolitical rivals will retain decisive leverage.
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