- Stable supply, costs underpin market
- Mixed demand across sectors restrains price growth
China’s high-carbon ferro chrome prices remained stable w-o-w as on 30 December 2025 at RMB 8,290-8,700/t ($1,184-1,243 /t) exw, including taxes.
Meanwhile, medium-carbon ferro chrome prices are stable w-o-w at RMB 12,600-12,800/t ($1,800-1,830/t) exw, including taxes.
Ferro chrome prices stayed stable, supported by steady supply and costs, while market sentiment remained cautious and demand varied across segments.
Market recap
Raw material market trends
The chrome ore market remained stable, supported by stable supply from major producers such as South Africa. However, fluctuations in shipping costs added pressure on imports, while expectations of international carbon tariff adjustments prompted traders to optimise inventories, with no immediate impact on prices.
Firm coke prices continued to provide cost support, although easing local chrome ore supply reduced smelting cost pressure. Overall, market sentiment remained cautious amid subdued trading activity.
Downstream market trends
Steady demand from the stainless steel industry, coupled with cautious buying, limited price fluctuations. Demand from the automotive steel segment supported low- and medium-carbon ferro chrome, while weakness in the construction materials sector constrained premiums for high-carbon ferro chrome.
Although procurement by new energy battery manufacturers increased, volumes were not large enough to influence the larger market, resulting in structurally divergent demand.
Outlook
Ferro chrome prices are expected to remain range-bound in the near term, supported by stable supply, while cautious market sentiment will likely limit sharp price movements.
(With inputs from CBC)
Leave a Reply