BTI titanium production start in 2026 reshapes Gulf titanium supply

Bahrain Titanium Factory Contract

Bahrain Titanium(BTI) titanium production start in 2026 moves closer as construction begins in Bahrain. The Interlink Metals unit reset the timeline from mid-2025 to early 2026. Stage one will produce 4,000 t/yr of CP slabs and 1,500 t/yr of 6Al-4V ingots. The BTI titanium production start in 2026 aims to supply industrial customers across the Gulf.

Stage one scope and target markets

BTI designed stage one to serve hard-wearing industrial systems. The mix covers chemical processing, desalination, marine, and power generation. As a result, CP slabs and grade-5 ingots should anchor reliable regional supply. Downstream users expect shorter lead times and reduced import risk.

Stage two, offtake, and feedstock strategy

BTI plans stage two to add billets and forgings with up to 10,000 t/yr capacity. Therefore, the company can target aerospace, medical, and defence demand. Letters of intent support early volumes from Interlink’s legacy Ukrainian customers. Meanwhile, the AMIC–Toho Titanium sponge LOI in Saudi Arabia remains active. BTI may also use Chinese sponge for non-critical industrial applications.

BTI is test-melting on a ferro-titanium furnace to widen its product slate. It is installing processing and crushing lines to feed that unit. Consequently, ferro-titanium production is slated to begin later this year. Bahrain’s US free-trade agreement further supports market access amid trade uncertainty.

BTI titanium production start in 2026 could rebalance Middle East titanium flows. The program introduces new slab and ingot capacity near end-markets. Moreover, the staged plan de-risks ramp-up while broadening alloy forms.

The Metalnomist Commentary

BTI’s sequencing is pragmatic: industrial first, certification-heavy segments later. Feedstock optionality across Saudi and China reduces sponge risk. Execution now hinges on qualifying forgings for aerospace and medical end-use.