One industry source said TiO2 suppliers have seen significant gains in pigment demand so far this year. Meanwhile, TiO2 suppliers are striving to recover lost ground due to severe pricing weakness during the economic downturn of 2001, when prices tumbled as much as 10% or more. Major TiO2 suppliers also made price-hike moves in March, with those increases being described as "partially successful." Two rounds of price increases also have occurred in Europe so far this year.