Ferrochrome Prices Pressured by Production Decline
Global chrome ore departures rose, but high‑carbon ferrochrome production fell in October, tightening supply. Prices remain under pressure, reflecting weak stainless steel demand and smelter losses.
Global chrome ore departures rose, but high‑carbon ferrochrome production fell in October, tightening supply. Prices remain under pressure, reflecting weak stainless steel demand and smelter losses.
Retail quotations for high‑carbon ferrochrome in Inner Mongolia and Sichuan slipped as steel mill procurement prices fell, prompting producers to offer concessions. The market remains subdued, with limited transactions and a wait‑and‑see sentiment.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrochrome | China | CIF | USD 1,902.00/MT | August 2026 |
| Ferrochrome | Netherlands | DDP | USD 4,719.00/MT | August 2026 |
| Ferrochrome | USA | DDP | USD 2,269.00/MT | August 2026 |
| Ferrochrome | China | EXW | USD 1,188.00/MT | August 2026 |
| Ferrochrome | China | CIF | USD 1,913.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Ferrochrome | Netherlands | DDP | USD 4,638.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Ferrochrome | USA | DDP | USD 2,236.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Ferrochrome | China | EXW | USD 1,185.00/MT | July 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Ferrochrome prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Ferrochrome markets underwent considerable structural shifts during H1 2026 as South African smelting output remained constrained while Chinese capacity expanded. Merafe's attributable ferrochrome production fell by 75% year-on-year to approximately 28,000 MT during the first half, primarily due to the continued suspension of the Wonderkop and Boshoek smelters. Lion resumed production toward the end of February following electricity tariff relief, but overall production remained substantially below the previous year.
China's ferrochrome production expanded significantly during the first half, with Merafe reporting year-on-year growth of 32%, substantially outpacing global production growth. China's expanding lower-cost smelting capacity continued to offset part of the supply deficit created by South African curtailments. Chrome ore prices also strengthened through Q1 as supply and cost pressures supported ferrochrome production economics before conditions became more balanced during Q2.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, ferrochrome prices are expected to remain firm but regionally divergent, with constrained South African smelting capacity and chrome ore costs providing support, while expanding Chinese production and uneven stainless steel demand limit broader gains.
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Ferrochrome is an iron-chromium alloy produced in several grades, mainly high-carbon, medium-carbon, and low-carbon ferrochrome. Chromium content varies by grade, so the material does not have a fixed chemical formula or molecular weight. Ferrochrome is a major raw material for stainless steel production because chromium improves corrosion resistance, hardness, and oxidation resistance. Commercial ferrochrome is supplied as lumps, crushed material, fines, or granules depending on steelmaking and foundry requirements.
Glencore PLC, Eurasian Resources Group, Outokumpu Oyj, Samancor Chrome Limited, Tata Steel Limited, Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Limited, YILDIRIM Group, Ferbasa, Balasore Alloys Limited, Afarak Group SE
Ferrochromium, carbon ferrochromium, chrome ferroalloy, chromium ferroalloy
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
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Ferrochrome Production by Submerged Arc Furnace Smelting : Ferrochrome is generally produced by smelting chromite ore with carbonaceous reductants in a submerged electric arc furnace. Chrome ore, coke or another carbon reductant, and fluxes are proportioned and charged into the furnace, where high temperatures reduce chromium and iron oxides. Molten ferrochrome separates from the slag and is tapped from the furnace. The alloy is then cooled, crushed, screened, and sized.
Ferrochrome is primarily consumed by stainless steel producers as the main source of chromium in the melt. It is also used in alloy and special steels that require greater hardness, wear resistance, heat resistance, or corrosion protection. Foundries use ferrochrome in chromium-bearing cast irons and steel castings, while selected grades are used in welding consumables and metallurgical additions. Carbon level is selected according to the chemistry required in the finished steel or alloy.
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