- Weak stainless steel demand keeps ferro chrome prices under pressure
- Maintenance downtime reduces supply slightly but fails to tighten market
China’s ferro chrome prices remained unchanged across all grades during the assessment week ended 23 September 2026. High-carbon ferro chrome (Cr:50%, C:6-8%) held steady w-o-w at RMB 7,990-8,200/t ($1,189-1,220/t). Medium-carbon ferro chrome (Cr:60%, C:1%) remained at RMB 12,400-13,100/t ($1,845-1,949/t), while low-carbon ferro chrome (Cr:60%, C:0.1%) was unchanged at RMB 14,200-14,500/t ($2,112-2,157/t).
The market remained weak and stable as cautious stainless steel procurement and sluggish transactions offset support from maintenance-related supply cuts. Overall operating rates remained high, while expectations of new capacity in the fourth quarter continued to limit any meaningful tightening in supply.
Market updates
Weak ore market limits cost support: Chrome ore prices remained under pressure as port inventories stayed high and overseas futures lacked upward momentum. South African and Turkish suppliers resisted significant price cuts, but weaker ferro chrome procurement continued to pressure ore prices.
Cautious steel demand weighs on prices: Stainless steel buyers remained cautious, with weak tender signals and lower steel mill bids weighing on ferro chrome demand. High 300-series inventories also continued to pressure sentiment, while downstream purchases remained largely need-based.
Outlook
China’s ferro chrome prices are expected to remain largely stable in the short term. Weak demand will limit upside, while maintenance cuts and high smelting costs should restrict downside.
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