[SMM analysis] interpretation of chromium ore import data-chromium ore market continues to weaken, import momentum slows down?

SMM, Nov. 24: customs data updated to September 2018, SMM provides you with a brief analysis of the import trend of chromium ore in China.

China is 95 per cent dependent on imported chromium ore. In 2017, China imported a total of 13.865 million tons of chromium ore, with an average monthly import volume of 1.16 million tons. China's chromium imports rose 64 per cent to 1.5306 million tonnes in January 2017, but fell by 28 per cent to 724400 tonnes in April 2017 as prices fell in March 2017.

China's imports of chromium ores increased by 11.17 per cent to 11.0121 million tons from January to September 2018, of which South African chromium mines, which accounted for the largest share of imports, increased by 11.14 per cent to 7.8972 million tons, while mainstream Turkish chromium ores decreased by 9.23 per cent to 742000 tons. According to SMM, South African chromium mines are more cost-effective, with 80 per cent of South African chromium mines used in some factories with improved production processes.

2. The import of chromium ore is accounted for by country

From January 2017 to September 2018, South African chromium ore imports accounted for 72.06%, Turkish chromium ore imports accounted for 7.47%, Oman chromium ore imports accounted for 3.01%. According to SMM research, mine shipments from South Africa and Turkey are relatively stable. With the adjustment of the formula produced by the factory, the proportion of Oman blocks is gradually decreasing.

3. Import trend of major chromium ore importing countries

Customs data show that in 2017, South Africa imported an average of 835800 tons of chromium ore per month, Turkey 92900 tons per month, Oman 34100 tons per month, and Pakistan 27100 tons per month.

South African chromium ore imports from January to July 2018 were strong, with an average monthly import volume of 947400 tons. In August 2018, South African chromium ore imports fell by 45.51 per cent to 582200 tons, while Mozambican port stocks were centrally released, resulting in a significant increase in chromium ore imports to 455000 tons. With the continuous weakening of the high-carbon ferrochromium market, the mainstream chromium ore imports have slowed down, of which Turkish chromium ore imports decreased by 44.05 per cent to 36700 tons in September 2018.

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