[SMM Brief Review] Futures Closed Up 1.34%, Destocking of High-Grade Ore Was Significant, and Structural Tightness Continued to Intensify

June 26, 2026 – The chromium market continued to decline this week, with the ample supply pattern unchanged and demand remaining weak.

This week, ferrous metals fell continuously. During the week, there were many disturbances from unverified market rumors, but overall macro sentiment was weak, and expectations of rate hikes outside China continued to weigh on commodity sentiment. Earlier, rumors of a strike at BHP caused a slight rebound in iron ore; in the latter half of the week, Tangshan issued a notice on the "Tangshan Industrial Source Emission Reduction Plan for H2 2026," and combined with post-holiday inventory accumulation of the five major steel products, market sentiment was weak, and ferrous metals fell again. In the spot market, the off-season characteristics for end-users became more evident, market demand continued to weaken. While spot prices remained relatively firm, the spot-futures price spread widened somewhat, and positions in both futures and spot markets were unwound. Transactions were concluded at prices below market levels, further dragging down market prices......

[Flat Products] HRC Holds Steady While Other Flat Products Edge Lower on Exports Today HRC export prices held broadly steady while other flat-product export prices edged lower day on day, with HRC concluded at 491-500 USD/tonne. With the Strait of Hormuz situation fluctuating, fresh inquiries for HRC, heavy plate and other products emerged from that region this week, but sellers report actual deals remain limited. Separately, about 10000 tonnes of Q195 HRC for re-export was sold to Vietnam recently at 500-503 USD/tonne CFR.