China imported over 1.5 million tons of ilmenite or titanium concentrate ore in September 2010, nearly 80% more than the same period in the previous year and exceeding total imports in 2009. This significant increase in imports is driven by fast capacity expansion in downstream industries such as TiO2 production and titanium sponge manufacturing. China's production of titanium sponge increased over 35% compared to the same period in 2009, reaching 61,000 tons in October 2010, demonstrating strong domestic demand for titanium feedstock.