In this paper, a macroscopic anisotropic strain rate potential, which can describe both the anisotropy and tension-compression asymmetry of the plastic response of textured metals is derived. This strain rate potential is the exact work-conjugate of the anisotropic stress potential CPB06 of Cazacu et al. (2006). Application of the developed strain rate potential to HCP high-purity alpha-titanium is presented. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.