June Chrome Ore Imports Up 13% MoM, Oversupply Weighs on Prices [SMM Analysis]

July 21, 2026 News:

According to statistics from China Customs, China's total chrome ore imports in June 2026 were 2.7957 million mt, up 13.0% MoM and up 70.4% YoY. Of this, imports from South Africa were 2.2644 million mt, up 16.2% MoM and up 65.6% YoY; from Turkey were 97,100 mt, down 34.2% MoM; and from Zimbabwe were 281,500 mt, up 12.3% MoM.

From January to June 2026, China's total chrome ore imports were 14.0513 million mt, up 41.5% YoY. Of this, imports from South Africa were 11.2143 million mt, up 35.8% YoY; from Turkey were 791,700 mt, up 152.3% YoY; and from Zimbabwe were 1.2711 million mt, up 61.5% YoY.

According to SMM data, global chrome ore bulk shipments in June 2026 were 3.06 million mt. Concentrated large arrivals of chrome ore pushed port inventories above 5 million mt. Limited by the surplus problem, the sustainability of the chrome ore price rebound is insufficient. Downstream ferrochrome plants are mostly waiting for the settlement of steel bidding prices next month, with mainstream expectations leaning bearish. Therefore, the willingness to purchase raw material chrome ore is low, with most inquiries being tentative and actual transactions mediocre. The chrome ore market is expected to remain in the doldrums in the short term.