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This table presents detailed information on the value of imports and U.S. price quotations for various chromium materials, including chromite ore, ferrochromium, and chromium metal. The data is expressed in dollars per metric ton and covers both gross weight and chromium content, providing a comprehensive overview of market trends and pricing dynamics. This information is crucial for understanding the economic and industrial significance of chromium, a key element used in stainless steel production, aerospace alloys, and other high-performance materials. Tracking import values and price fluctuations helps stakeholders assess supply chain stability, cost pressures, and competitive positioning within the global chromium market.
Analysis of the data reveals several notable trends between 2022 and 2023. The average import value for chromite ore increased from $254 to $281 per metric ton gross weight, with the chromium content value rising from $332 to $374, indicating a modest price appreciation. Specifically, chromite ore with 46% or more Cr2O3 saw a significant value increase from $259 to $302 per metric ton gross weight. In contrast, ferrochromium prices experienced a marked decline; the average value for all grades dropped from $2,600 to $2,160 per metric ton gross weight, while chromium content value fell from $4,510 to $3,800. High-carbon ferrochromium with 0.5% to 3% carbon content saw the most pronounced decrease, from $6,650 to $4,210 per metric ton gross weight. Price quotations from Argus Media for South African chromite ore also rose substantially, with 40% to 42% chromium content prices increasing from $240 to $291 per metric ton gross weight. These shifts reflect changing market conditions, including supply constraints and demand fluctuations in key producing regions like South Africa.
| TABLE 3 | |||||||||
| VALUE OF IMPORTS AND U.S. PRICE QUOTATIONS FOR CHROMIUM MATERIALS1 | |||||||||
| (Dollars per metric ton unless otherwise specified) | |||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | ||||||||
| Gross | Chromium | Gross | Chromium | ||||||
| Material | weight | content | weight | content | |||||
| Value:2 | |||||||||
| Chromite ore: | |||||||||
| Not more than 40% chromium oxide (Cr2O3) | 274 | 900 | 233 | 928 | |||||
| More than 40% but less than 46% Cr2O3 | 215 | 496 | 221 | 508 | |||||
| 46% or more Cr2O3 | 259 | 306 | 302 | 343 | |||||
| Average | 254 | 332 | 281 | 374 | |||||
| Ferrochromium: | |||||||||
| Not more than 0.5% carbon | 6210 | r | 8850 | r | 5180 | 7740 | |||
| More than 0.5% but not more than 3% carbon | 6650 | 9840 | 4210 | 6480 | |||||
| More than 3% but not more than 4% carbon | 6100 | 8840 | 4080 | 6230 | |||||
| Average (not more than 4% carbon) | 6230 | r | 8900 | r | 5100 | 7650 | |||
| More than 4% carbon | 2190 | 3900 | 1730 | 3120 | |||||
| Average (all grades) | 2600 | 4510 | 2160 | 3800 | |||||
| Chromium metal3 | 14400 | r | XX | 12300 | XX | ||||
| Price:4 | |||||||||
| Chromite ore, South Africa: | |||||||||
| 40% to 42% chromium (Cr) | 240 | 836 | 5 | 291 | 1010 | 5 | |||
| 42% to 44% Cr | 276.89 | 920 | 6 | 321 | 1070 | 6 | |||
| High-carbon ferrochromium,7 62% to 70% Cr | XX | 3.19 | XX | 2.55 | |||||
| Low-carbon ferrochromium:7 | |||||||||
| 0.05% carbon | XX | 5.89 | XX | 4.73 | |||||
| 0.10% carbon | XX | 4.86 | XX | 3.76 | |||||
| 0.15% carbon | XX | 4.62 | XX | 3.62 | |||||
| Chromium metal, imported, aluminothermic7 | 7.2 | XX | 5.05 | XX | |||||
rRevised. XX Not applicable.
1Table includes data available through August 22, 2024. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2Mass-weighted average based on customs value and quantity of imported material, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
3Average for all grades.
4Source: Argus Media, Argus Non-Ferrous Markets.
5Calculated assuming average chromium content 41%.
6Calculated assuming average chromium content 43%.
7Reported by Argus Media, Argus Non-Ferrous Markets, in dollars per pound.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Chromium statistics | Mineral commodity prices