[SMM Chromium Flash] China July 2026 HC FeCr Imports Fall 9.9% MoM to ~132,825 t as South Africa Drops Out

Published: Aug 20, 2026 18:22

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China's high carbon ferrochrome (HC FeCr) imports totalled approximately 132,825 tonnes in July 2026, down 9.9% month-on-month from around 147,361 tonnes in June, per Chinese customs data.

Kazakhstan retained its position as China's largest HC FeCr supplier in July, shipping approximately 84,429 tonnes, up a marginal 1.2% MoM from June's 83,415 tonnes. With other origins pulling back more sharply, Kazakhstan's share of total imports rose to roughly 63.6%, up from 56.6% in June.

Zimbabwe posted the strongest gain among suppliers, with volumes climbing 72.1% MoM to approximately 22,901 tonnes in July from around 13,306 tonnes in June, lifting its import share to roughly 17.2% from 9.0% the previous month.

India also grew its share, with shipments up 50.8% MoM to approximately 23,889 tonnes in July from around 15,845 tonnes in June, taking its share of total imports to roughly 18.0% from 10.8%.

Imports from other origins fell sharply, down 55.7% MoM to approximately 1,607 tonnes in July from around 3,628 tonnes in June.

South Africa recorded no HC FeCr shipments to China in July, a sharp reversal from June's approximately 31,166 tonnes, which had accounted for around 21.2% of that month's total.

Overall, July's data shows a rebalancing of China's HC FeCr supply base, with Kazakhstan consolidating its lead while Zimbabwe and India expanded their footholds to help offset South Africa's exit from the month's import mix.

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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