U.S. Imports For Consumption Of Chromium Materials, By Type

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of chromium materials imported into the United States for consumption, categorized by type such as chromite ore, chromium ferroalloys, chromium metal, chemicals, and pigments. This information is critical for understanding the supply chain dynamics of chromium, a key industrial metal used extensively in stainless steel production, aerospace, and chemical manufacturing. Monitoring import trends helps assess the U.S. industry's reliance on foreign sources, informs trade policy decisions, and supports economic planning related to the metals and mining sectors.

Analysis of the data reveals that total chromite ore imports decreased from 121,000 metric tons in 2022 to 103,000 metric tons in 2023, with a corresponding value decline from $30.7 million to $29.0 million. South Africa remains the dominant supplier across all chromite ore grades, providing 75,700 metric tons of ore with 46% or more chromium oxide content in 2023, valued at $22.8 million. Chromium ferroalloys imports saw a significant drop from 461,000 metric tons valued at $1.19 billion in 2022 to 292,000 metric tons valued at $631 million in 2023, with South Africa and Kazakhstan as principal sources. Imports of chromium metal also declined, from 14,900 metric tons ($215 million) to 12,400 metric tons ($153 million), with China and the United Kingdom as top suppliers. Chromium chemicals imports fell from 12,600 metric tons ($57.5 million) to 9,310 metric tons ($41.7 million), led by Kazakhstan and India. Pigments based on chromium showed a slight decrease in quantity from 2,380 to 2,020 metric tons and in value from $21.3 million to $17.9 million, with Mexico and Canada as notable sources. Overall, the data indicate a contraction in chromium imports across most categories in 2023, reflecting potential shifts in demand, supply chain adjustments, or market conditions.