Ferro-chrome prices cif China have risen over the past two weeks, underpinned by uncertain electricity supply at the country's main exporter, which could lead to higher production costs, as well as tightening domestic supply.
Metal Bulletin calculated the charge chrome index cif China at $0.97 per Ib on Friday June 15, up 4 cents week on week and following another 4 cent increase the week prior. The index is now up 8.9% since June 1, when it stood at $0.89 per lb. South Africa is the largest supplier of ferro-chrome to China, and its exports of 344,476 tonnes in the first quarter this year accounted for 54.2% of China's total imports. This has risen from 50% in the corresponding period of 2017. With China's dependence on South African supply, consumers are starting to raise...