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| Country | 2024 | 2025 (estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 22,900 | 23,000 |
| Türkiye | 9,300 | 9,000 |
| Kazakhstan | 6,100 | 7,000 |
| India | 3,370 | 3,000 |
| Brazil | 1,400 | 2,000 |
| Zimbabwe | 1,600 | 2,000 |
| Finland | 1,940 | 1,900 |
| Other countries | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| World total (rounded) | 49,600 | 51,000 |
Source: USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026. Mine production is reported in gross weight. USGS revised 2024 figures for India, South Africa, Türkiye and Zimbabwe using government reports.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chromic oxide (Cr2O3) | 42% basis, 40% minimum |
| Chromium to iron ratio (Cr:Fe) | At least 1.2:1 |
| Silica (SiO2) | Maximum 6% |
| Alumina (Al2O3) | Maximum 18% |
| Magnesia (MgO) | Maximum 15% |
| Price basis | US dollars per tonne, CIF main Chinese ports |
As published in a Fastmarkets pricing notice for UG2 chrome ore. Confirm the specification currently in force with the publisher.
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| Origin | Cr2O3 | Cr:Fe ratio |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa (concentrate) | 40 to 44% | About 1.3 to 1.5 |
| Zimbabwe | 48 to 52% | Near 2 |
Source: a 2024 Asian Metal interview with a chrome ore trader. These are market ranges, not specifications.
How chrome ore is graded
Two numbers matter most. Cr2O3 content says how much chromium oxide the ore carries. The Cr:Fe ratio says how much chromium there is for each unit of iron, and a higher ratio means more chromium for the same smelting effort. Silica, alumina and magnesia are the other limits that a benchmark specifies.
Customs rules recognise the same split: the US tariff schedule divides chromium ore into three Cr2O3 bands, not more than 40%, more than 40% but under 46%, and 46% or more.
How chrome ore is priced
Chrome ore is priced in dollars per tonne for a stated grade, delivered to China, and offers for South African concentrate at 40 to 42% and 42 to 44% Cr2O3 are published weekly by price reporters such as Mysteel. USGS, drawing on Argus price data, reports chromite ore averaging $199 per tonne in 2021, $277 in 2022, $321 in 2023, $331 in 2024 and an estimated $290 in 2025. The basis for that series is not stated, so treat it as an indicator of direction, not a quote.
Who supplies it and what could change
South Africa is the leading producer by a wide margin. USGS notes that deep-level mining, labour costs and an unreliable electricity supply could affect South African output, and that investment may raise production in Brazil, Kazakhstan and Zimbabwe.
China is the leading ferrochromium and stainless steel producer, and USGS says potential export controls and tariffs on South African chromite ore may affect Chinese ferrochromium production. For a buyer outside China, the practical point is that chrome ore pricing follows Chinese stainless steel demand.
Shipping risk: liquefaction
Chrome concentrate can liquefy at sea if it is loaded wet. A law firm's review of cargo claims reports incidents of chrome concentrate liquefying on passage after it had been declared as a Group C cargo, the category that does not liquefy. Whether a cargo is Group A or Group C should be checked against the IMSBC Code and the cargo's actual moisture, not taken from the seller's description.
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Frequently asked questions
What is chrome ore used for?
Most chromite is smelted into ferrochromium, and stainless steel is the leading end use. USGS notes chromium has no substitute in stainless steel. Chromite is also used to make chromium chemicals.
Which countries produce the most chrome ore?
USGS estimates South Africa mined about 23 million tonnes in 2025, Türkiye about 9 million and Kazakhstan about 7 million, out of about 51 million tonnes worldwide.
What is the Cr:Fe ratio in chrome ore?
It is the ratio of chromium to iron in the ore. A higher ratio means more chromium relative to iron, which benchmark specifications set as a minimum, for example at least 1.2:1 in a Fastmarkets notice for UG2 concentrate.
How much does chrome ore cost?
USGS, using Argus data, reports chromite ore averaging $290 per tonne in 2025 (estimated) and $331 per tonne in 2024. Spot offers for South African concentrate delivered to China are published weekly by price reporters.
Why does chrome concentrate need a moisture check before shipping?
Wet concentrate can liquefy at sea. The IMSBC Code requires a shipper's declaration with the moisture content and transportable moisture limit before loading cargoes that can liquefy.
Sources
- USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Chromium
- Fastmarkets: Metal Bulletin's UG2 chrome ore price specification
- Asian Metal: chrome ore prices to keep firm (2024 interview)
- Mysteel: seaborne chrome ore offering prices, CIF Shanghai port
- Hill Dickinson: cargo liquefaction and Group A or Group C classification
Specifications published by index providers are revised over time. Where a figure comes from a pricing notice, confirm the version currently in force with the publisher before you use it in a contract. Corrections are welcome.