Titanium permit system phasing in

The National License Office said China had this month begun implementing a production permit system for titanium and titanium alloy products, although the first permits will not be issued until the second half of 2005, it said. Titanium and titanium alloys, used in aerospace, automotive, medical, petrochemical and other industries, are the third metals groups in the nonferrous sector to migrate to the China's new production permit system � after copper pipe products and aluminum products. Data released by the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association indicates sponge titanium output reached 4,112 tons, and titanium products 7,080 tons, in 2003. Demand currently exceeds supply.