Ferrochrome Price Update October 9, 2026 - Modest Decline Across Most Grades
Oct 9, 2026 | ZhenAn International Co., Limited
Ferrochrome markets registered a soft downward bias on October 9, 2026, with high-carbon, low-carbon, and micro-carbon grades edging lower against the previous session. Medium-carbon ferrochrome held unchanged across all tracked regions. The pullback was most pronounced in the Southwest, where high-carbon material shed 100 CNY/ton, while other regions saw a more modest 50 CNY/ton adjustment. Buyers weighing restocking decisions heading into the fourth quarter will find ample supply and relatively stable medium-carbon quotations, creating favorable conditions for medium-carbon procurement.
Current Ferrochrome Price
The following tables summarize spot prices by grade and region as of October 9, 2026. Prices are quoted in Chinese yuan per metric ton (CNY/t) on an ex-works, tax-included, cash basis unless otherwise noted.
High-Carbon Ferrochrome (FeCr50C7.5, 50-base)
| Region | Oct 9 Price (CNY/t) | Oct 8 Price (CNY/t) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| North China | 7550–7750 | 7600–7850 | ↓50 |
| Southwest China | 7700–7800 | 7800–7900 | ↓100 |
| Northwest China | 7600–7700 | 7650–7750 | ↓50 |
| Northeast China | 7850–7900 | 7900–8000 | ↓50 |
| Central China | 7800–7900 | 7900–7950 | ↓50 |
| Shanghai | 7950–8050 | 8000–8100 | ↓50 |
| Shandong | 7950–8000 | 8000–8050 | ↓50 |
Medium-Carbon Ferrochrome (FeCr55C2.0, 60-base)
| Region | Oct 9 Price (CNY/t) | Oct 8 Price (CNY/t) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sichuan | 12300–12400 | 12300–12400 | Flat |
| Henan | 12300–12400 | 12300–12400 | Flat |
| Inner Mongolia | 12300–12400 | 12300–12400 | Flat |
| Guangxi | 12300–12400 | 12300–12400 | Flat |
Low-Carbon Ferrochrome (FeCr55C0.25, 52≤Cr<60, 60-base)
| Region | Oct 9 Price (CNY/t) | Oct 8 Price (CNY/t) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sichuan | 12800 | 12900 | ↓100 |
| Jiangsu | 13200 | 13200–13300 | ↓50 |
| Shanxi | 12800 | 12800–12900 | ↓50 |
| Inner Mongolia | 12700 | 12700–12800 | ↓50 |
Micro-Carbon Ferrochrome (FeCr55C0.10, 52≤Cr<60, 60-base)
| Region | Oct 9 Price (CNY/t) | Oct 8 Price (CNY/t) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sichuan | 13000 | 13100 | ↓100 |
| Jiangsu | 13400 | 13400–13500 | ↓50 |
| Shanxi | 13000 | 13000–13100 | ↓50 |
| Inner Mongolia | 12900 | 12900–13000 | ↓50 |
Micro-Carbon Ferrochrome (FeCr55C0.06, 52≤Cr<60, 60-base)
| Region | Oct 9 Price (CNY/t) | Oct 8 Price (CNY/t) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sichuan | 13300 | 13400 | ↓100 |
| Jiangsu | 13600 | 13600–13700 | ↓50 |
| Shanxi | 13200 | 13200–13300 | ↓50 |
| Inner Mongolia | 13100 | 13100–13200 | ↓50 |
Note: Data reflects domestic Chinese market quotations as of October 9, 2026, on an ex-works, tax-included basis. Regional spreads reflect transport proximity to stainless-steel mills and local power-cost differentials.
Ferrochrome Price Trend vs Previous
Compared with October 8, high-carbon ferrochrome declined by 50 CNY/ton across six of seven tracked regions, while the Southwest saw a larger drop of 100 CNY/ton. Medium-carbon ferrochrome was unchanged across Sichuan, Henan, Inner Mongolia, and Guangxi. Low-carbon and micro-carbon grades both softened by 50–100 CNY/ton depending on region, with Sichuan posting the largest contraction of 100 CNY/ton in each category.
The narrowing of quoted ranges in several regions suggests suppliers are converging toward firmer single-point pricing for low- and micro-carbon grades, particularly in Sichuan and Inner Mongolia. Shanghai and Shandong continue to command the highest high-carbon prices, supported by coastal logistics and mill proximity.
Grade and Market Context
Ferrochrome is classified primarily by carbon content, a specification that directly determines its end-use compatibility.
- High-carbon ferrochrome (FeCr50C7.5) is the standard charge chrome used in stainless-steel production via the electric-arc furnace route. Its elevated carbon level is acceptable because the steelmaking process itself provides decarburization.
- Medium-carbon ferrochrome (FeCr55C2.0) occupies the middle ground, suitable for alloy-steel applications where carbon must be controlled more tightly than in standard stainless grades but where ultra-low-carbon specifications are not required.
- Low-carbon ferrochrome (FeCr55C0.25) is employed in specialty steels, superalloys, and precision casting where carbon residuals must be minimized to preserve mechanical and corrosion properties.
- Micro-carbon ferrochrome (FeCr55C0.10 and FeCr55C0.06) serves the most demanding metallurgical environments, including aerospace alloys, high-purity stainless steels, and certain chemical-process applications.
Chromium is sourced from chromite ore, with South Africa, Kazakhstan, and Turkey representing the principal producing regions. Ore availability, freight rates, and electricity tariffs in major Chinese producing provinces all filter through to ferrochrome quotations. Environmental compliance costs have also become an increasingly significant component of the overall cost structure, particularly in provinces with stricter emission controls. The carbon content differential across grades directly affects both production cost and downstream application, with lower-carbon grades requiring additional refining steps that raise unit manufacturing expense.
High-Carbon FeCr50C7.5 vs Medium-Carbon FeCr55C2.0
Selecting between high-carbon and medium-carbon ferrochrome depends on the target steel grade, carbon budget, and cost structure of the melt shop.
| Dimension | High-Carbon FeCr50C7.5 | Medium-Carbon FeCr55C2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon content | \~7.5% | \~2.0% |
| Chromium range | \~50% base | \~55% base |
| Typical price (Oct 9) | 7550–8050 CNY/ton | 12300–12400 CNY/ton |
| Primary use | Standard stainless steel (AISI 300 series) | Medium-alloy engineering steels |
| Carbon control | Relaxed; EAF process handles residual C | Tighter; limits post-melt refining |
| Cost position | Lower unit cost per Cr unit | Higher unit cost, lower downstream refining |
| Regional spread | Wide (north vs coastal gap \~500 CNY/ton) | Uniform nationwide |
For stainless-steel producers running conventional EAF–AOD trains, high-carbon ferrochrome remains the economical feedstock. Medium-carbon material becomes attractive when downstream trimming of carbon is costly or when the steel specification sits in the medium-alloy range.
What Buyers Should Check Before Ordering Ferrochrome
1. Verify the carbon specification against your melt recipe. Using high-carbon material in a low-carbon steel program increases refining time and argon consumption. 2. Confirm chromium-base alignment. FeCr50 and FeCr55 deliver different chromium units per ton; adjust your burden calculation accordingly. 3. Review ex-works vs delivered terms. The coastal premium of 200–500 CNY/ton over inland origins may be offset by lower inland freight if your mill is in the north or southwest. 4. Inspect packaging and moisture. Ferrochrome lump exposed to humidity can develop surface oxidation, reducing effective chromium yield. 5. Lock in freight capacity for Q4. Heading into winter, northern routes may face weather-related delays; book logistics early. 6. Request a mill test certificate (MTC). Verify phosphorus and sulfur residuals, as these trace elements affect final steel cleanliness. 7. Assess inventory carrying costs. With prices softening modestly, buyers with adequate storage may benefit from phased purchasing rather than single large-volume orders.
FAQ
What is the main difference between high-carbon and low-carbon ferrochrome?
The carbon content determines suitability for different steel grades. High-carbon ferrochrome (\~7.5% C) is used in standard stainless-steel production where the refining process removes excess carbon. Low-carbon and micro-carbon grades (0.06–0.25% C) are reserved for specialty alloys, precision castings, and applications where carbon must be strictly controlled from the outset to meet tight metallurgical specifications.
How is ferrochrome produced?
Ferrochrome is produced by carbothermic reduction of chromite ore in submerged-arc furnaces. Coke or coal serves as the reductant, and the carbon content of the final alloy is governed by the reduction temperature and the amount of reductant charged. Higher carbon grades require less post-treatment, while low-carbon grades may involve additional refining steps.
Which grade of ferrochrome is best for stainless steel?
For conventional austenitic and ferritic stainless steels, high-carbon ferrochrome (FeCr50C7.5) is the standard choice because the argon-oxygen decarburization (AOD) or vacuum-oxygen decarburization (VOD) stage removes carbon to specification. For ultra-low-carbon stainless grades or superalloys, micro-carbon ferrochrome (FeCr55C0.06 or FeCr55C0.10) is preferred to minimize carbon input from the alloy addition itself.
What factors influence ferrochrome prices?
Key drivers include chromite ore contract prices, electricity tariffs in producing regions (notably Inner Mongolia, Sichuan, and Guangxi), environmental compliance costs, freight rates, and stainless-steel mill demand. Currency movements between the Chinese yuan and South African rand also affect import-parity calculations for Chinese producers relying on imported ore.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for ferrochrome?
Minimum order quantities for ferrochrome vary by grade and supplier. For containerized export shipments, a standard full-container load (FCL) of 20 to 25 metric tons is typically required. Some suppliers accept less-than-container-load (LCL) quantities at a modest per-ton premium. For bulk-vessel charter, minimum volumes usually start at 500 metric tons. High-carbon and medium-carbon grades are generally available at lower MOQs because of higher production volumes, while specialized micro-carbon grades may require larger minimums due to limited furnace campaigns. Buyers should confirm the exact MOQ for their target grade and packaging preference at the inquiry stage, as seasonal inventory levels and furnace schedules can affect supplier flexibility.
What packaging and container-loading options are available for ferrochrome shipments?
Ferrochrome is typically supplied in standard one-ton polypropylene jumbo bags, palletized and shrink-wrapped for container loading. Each twenty-foot container accommodates approximately 20 to 25 metric tons depending on bagging density and grade. Bulk shipment in open-top containers or bulk vessels is available for large tonnages, reducing per-unit packaging cost. Buyers should specify whether they require standard lump form or crushed material, as this affects bag fill weight and container utilization. Moisture-resistant lining can be requested for high-humidity destinations. When ordering, confirm the exact bag weight, strapping method, and whether pallets are included, as these details influence unloading efficiency and inland logistics at the receiving port.
For exact pricing tailored to your grade, volume, and delivery point, reach out directly.
Key Takeaways
- High-carbon ferrochrome softened by 50 CNY/ton in most regions on October 9, with the Southwest down 100 CNY/ton.
- Medium-carbon ferrochrome held unchanged at 12300–12400 CNY/ton across all tracked provinces.
- Low-carbon and micro-carbon grades declined 50–100 CNY/ton, with Sichuan showing the largest adjustments.
- Stainless-steel mills can take advantage of stable medium-carbon supply while monitoring high-carbon dips for restocking.
- Buyers should align grade selection with carbon budgets and confirm freight terms before placing Q4 orders.
- Environmental compliance costs continue to influence production economics across all producing regions.
- Phased purchasing may be advantageous for buyers with storage capacity, given the current softening trend.
Get Your Tailored Quotation
Whether you need high-carbon charge chrome for stainless-steel production or micro-carbon grades for precision alloys, we can match your exact specification and volume. Contact us via WhatsApp: +86 15518824805 or email market@zanewmetal.com for a customized quote with delivery scheduling to your port or mill.