WHAT IS IT?
Chromium (Cr) is a hard, lustrous, silver-grey metal with the highest hardness of any pure metal and exceptional resistance to corrosion and oxidation. It is the key alloying element in stainless steel — chromium is what makes stainless steel stainless.
FORMS TRADED
Chromite Ore: The primary ore, FeCr₂O₄. ~35–50% Cr₂O₃. Mined primarily in South Africa (50%+ of global reserves).
Ferrochrome (FeCr): Chromium-iron alloy with 50–70% Cr. Primary intermediate used in stainless steel production. High carbon (HC-FeCr), charge chrome (~52% Cr), low carbon (LC-FeCr).
Chrome Metal: 99%+ Cr. Used in specialty alloys and superalloys. Small market.
Chromium Chemicals: Sodium dichromate, chromic oxide — used in pigments, leather tanning, wood preservation (declining due to toxicity concerns).
STAINLESS STEEL LINK
Stainless steel requires a minimum of 10.5% chromium. Grade 304 contains 18% Cr. Grade 316 contains 18% Cr + 2% Mo.
For every tonne of stainless steel produced, approximately 200–250 kg of charge chrome is consumed.
Chromium demand is therefore directly correlated with global stainless steel output.
KEY USES
Stainless steel production (~90% of ferrochrome)
Superalloys for jet engines and gas turbines (high-temperature strength)
Hard chrome plating (industrial machinery, hydraulic rods)
Chrome pigments (declining — toxicity concerns with hexavalent Cr)
Refractory bricks for furnaces
TRADE CORRIDORS
Major ore/ferrochrome producers: South Africa (world's largest), Kazakhstan (Kazchrome), India, Zimbabwe
Major buyers: China (70%+ of ferrochrome imports), EU, Japan, South Korea
Tetra relevance: South Africa → China and South Korea stainless steel supply chain.
PRICING BASIS
Ferrochrome benchmark: CRU Ferrochrome Quarterly Benchmark (negotiated between South African producers and Chinese/European mills). Spot market assessed by Fastmarkets/Metal Bulletin.
Chromite ore: CIF China spot assessments.
SPECIFICATIONS (Charge Chrome)
Cr: 52% min
C: 6–8%
Si: max 3.0%
S: max 0.05%
P: max 0.03%