Key statistics for 2025
- Global ferrochrome
production decreased
from 17.1Mt in 2024
to 15.9Mt in 2025
- Ferrochrome demand
increased from 16.0Mt
in 2024 to 16.4Mt in
2025
- South Africa’s share of
global ferrochrome
production was 1.6Mt
(2024: 3.3Mt)
- China imported
approximately 19.6Mt
chrome ore from
South Africa
(2024: 17.0Mt)
Elements influencing the global demand
for and pricing of ferrochrome:
- Global stainless steel production underpins demand for ferrochrome
- China has become the largest ferrochrome-producing region globally
- China has been increasing its cost-efficient ferrochrome production capacity
- South African ferrochrome production has reduced significantly over time due to
rising costs (electricity)
- Legislation from the European Union implemented with the aim of reducing greenhouse
gas emissions (carbon border adjustment mechanism)
Ferrochrome production and its role in stainless
steel
Produced by high-temperature reduction (smelting) of
chromite, ferrochrome contains iron, chrome, minor
amounts of carbon and silicon, and impurities such as
sulphur, phosphorous and titanium.
Chrome is a metallurgical marvel. It brings critical
properties to the metals with which it is alloyed.
Add it to carbon steel in the form of ferrochrome, and the
steel becomes “stainless” – corrosion resistant,
mechanically strong, heat resistant, hard-wearing and
shiny. Stainless steel is used almost everywhere in modern
life, from nuclear reactors to exhaust pipes, architecture,
kitchenware and a host of other applications.
Specialty steels produced for applications such as tools,
injection moulds, camshafts, etc. also derive the high
mechanical strength, hardness and heat resistance
required from their chrome content.
