News Release: Sep 21, 2026
According to China Customs statistics: China's total high-carbon ferrochrome imports reached 157,600 tonnes in August 2026, up 18.66% month-on-month (MoM) and down 0.94% year-on-year (YoY). Breakdown by origin:
- Imports from South Africa: 50,300 tonnes (July 2026 imports: 0 tonne)
- Imports from Kazakhstan: 73,800 tonnes, down 12.6% MoM
- Imports from India: 20,900 tonnes, down 12.6% MoM
From January to August 2026, China's cumulative high-carbon ferrochrome imports stood at 1.12 million tonnes, falling 39.02% YoY.
- South Africa: 181,600 tonnes, -78.14% YoY
- Kazakhstan: 637,300 tonnes, -6.41% YoY
- India: 134,000 tonnes, +50.04% YoY
The August import growth was mainly driven by higher shipments from South Africa, offsetting reduced volumes from Kazakhstan, India, Zimbabwe and other suppliers. Previously during winter, South Africa faced tight power supply and elevated production costs, dragging down ferrochrome exports. South African Customs data showed that the country's total high-carbon ferrochrome exports totalled 97,700 tonnes in July 2026, down 20.8% MoM, while direct exports to China were 28,300 tonnes, dropping 27.19% MoM.
After winter power rationing ended, contracted cargoes were loaded and shipped in batches, arriving in China concentratedly in August and lifting import volumes markedly. In addition, major South African ferrochrome producers have secured preferential electricity tariffs and plan full production restarts in Q4 2026. Inflows of imported ferrochrome may create certain impacts on the domestic market.
