【SMM Analysis】Chrome Ore Imports Rise 13% MoM in June; Oversupply Weighs on Prices

Published: Jul 21, 2026 10:33

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News Release, July 21, 2026

China's total chrome ore imports reached 2.7957 million tonnes in June 2026, climbing 13.0% month-on-month (MoM) and surging 70.4% year-on-year (YoY), according to China Customs statistics.

Breakdown by origin:

Imports from South Africa stood at 2.2644 million tonnes, up 16.2% MoM and 65.6% YoY;

Shipments from Turkey hit 97,100 tonnes, falling 34.2% MoM;

Arrivals from Zimbabwe amounted to 281,500 tonnes, rising 12.3% MoM.

For the January–June period of 2026, cumulative chrome ore imports totalled 14.0513 million tonnes, a YoY increase of 41.5%.

South Africa remained the top supplier with 11.2143 million tonnes imported, up 35.8% YoY;

Turkey supplied 791,700 tonnes, jumping 152.3% YoY;

Zimbabwe's shipments reached 1.2711 million tonnes, rising 61.5% YoY.

Per SMM data, global bulk chrome ore shipments totalled 3.06 million tonnes in June 2026. Massive concentrated ore arrivals pushed port inventories above 5 million tonnes. Severe oversupply has capped market upside, leaving chrome ore prices lacking sustained rebound momentum. Downstream ferrochrome producers are mostly on the sidelines, waiting for finalised stainless steel tender prices next month, with prevailing bearish sentiment dampening raw material purchasing appetite. Market inquiries remain tentative, while actual trading volumes stay sluggish. The chromite ore market is projected to operate on a weak steady footing in the short term.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

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