[SMM Analysis] China's Ferrochrome Imports to Stay Low in the Short Term after Falling in May

News, June 22, 2026:

According to China Customs statistics, China’s total imports of high-carbon ferrochrome reached 131,000 tonnes in May 2026, falling 9.7% month-on-month and 15.62% year-on-year.

• Imports from South Africa stood at 10,000 tonnes, down 71.45% month-on-month and 37.18% year-on-year;
• Imports from Kazakhstan hit 84,700 tonnes, rising 10.18% month-on-month while slipping 13.87% year-on-year.

From January to May 2026, China’s cumulative imports of high-carbon ferrochrome totalled 677,900 tonnes, a year-on-year drop of 45.5%.

• Cumulative imports from South Africa: 100,100 tonnes, plunging 83.0% year-on-year;
• Cumulative imports from Kazakhstan: 395,600 tonnes, edging down 9.9% year-on-year.

South Africa's preferential electricity tariff of 0.62 rand per kWh has officially obtained approval from Nersa. Top ferrochrome producer Glencore-Merafe has withdrawn the clause involving 189 job cuts. Although South Africa's ferrochrome sector has entered full production resumption, output has not seen a notable jump, with monthly ferrochrome exports remaining at a relatively low range of 70,000–100,000 tonnes. Kazakhstan maintains steady production with limited fluctuations in its ferrochrome exports and supply volume. On the whole, China's ferrochrome imports will stay at a low and stable level in the short run.