On June 15, 2026, retail quotations for high-carbon ferrochrome remained unchanged, with Inner Mongolia high-carbon ferrochrome at 8,250-8,300 yuan/mt (50% metal content).
Early in the week, the market was mainly in the doldrums, with most producers adopting a wait-and-see attitude toward next month’s steel mill tender prices, while actual transactions were limited. The stainless steel market was boosted by easing geopolitical risks, and futures recovered and rose. However, with the onset of the consumption off-season, end-use demand release was limited, and purchases of ferrochrome were maintained at a cautious, need-based pace. Shrinking profit margins led to production cut plans at steel mills. Market participants expected a strong possibility of a lower tender price next month, with confidence lacking. In the short term, the ferrochrome market is expected to continue operating in the doldrums.
On the raw material side, on June 15, 2026, quotations for 40-42% South African powder, 40-42% Turkish lump ore, and 48-50% Zimbabwean powder at Tianjin port were flat from the previous trading day. On a CIF futures basis, the latest quotation for 40-42% South African powder was $285/mt.
Early in the week, market performance was weak. At the spot level, chrome ore quotations were down across the board. Inventory accumulated again. According to SMM statistics, as of June 12, 2026, total chrome ore port inventory nationwide stood at 4.4406 million mt, up 1.24% WoW, of which Tianjin port chrome ore inventory was 3.676 million mt, up 0.91% WoW. The oversupply intensified sales pressure on traders, but the arrival of high-cost chrome ore raised purchase costs, reducing the willingness to sell among some suppliers, with most taking a wait-and-see approach to future price trends. On the demand side, ferrochrome production fluctuated at highs, but smelters mainly consumed their own inventories, resulting in mostly need-based, small-volume purchases of chrome ore. A tug-of-war between sellers and buyers led to a stalemate, with a sluggish trading atmosphere. On the futures side, mainstream ex-China mine quotations for 40-42% South African powder were down $5 MoM to $285/mt. The overall market’s bearish expectations were strong, awaiting guidance from new round of quotations this week. In the short term, the chrome ore market is expected to continue mainly in the doldrums.
![[SMM HRC Daily Trading Volume] Spot Trading Volume Retreats from Highs](https://imgqn.smm.cn/usercenter/niwZw20251217171715.jpg)
