【SMM Analysis】Ferrochrome Imports Stay Subdued; Widening Gap Between Domestic & Import Supply

News Release, July 21, 2026

China's total high-carbon ferrochrome (HC FeCr) imports hit 147,400 tonnes in June 2026, rising 12.5% MoM but dipping 5.1% YoY based on China Customs data.

South Africa contributed 31,200 tonnes of HC FeCr, while Kazakhstan supplied 83,400 tonnes, down 1.6% MoM.

Cumulative HC FeCr imports for January–June 2026 reached 825,200 tonnes, a YoY drop of 33.7%.

Imports from South Africa totalled 131,300 tonnes, plummeting 77.6% YoY; shipments from Kazakhstan stood at 479,000 tonnes, edging up 9.1% YoY.

Full-scale ferrochrome production resumption in South Africa is scheduled for Q4 2026, yet output has seen no notable uptick recently, keeping its export volumes relatively low. This will have limited near-term disruptive impact on China’s import market. Domestic ferrochrome mills maintain high production schedules, with new capacity coming online sequentially, driving repeated record output levels and crowding out demand for overseas ferrochrome imports to a notable extent. Overall, China’s ferrochrome supply landscape has undergone a marked structural shift.