Ferrochrome Market Size, Share, & Trends Analysis Report By Product (High Carbon Ferrochrome, Medium Carbon Ferrochrome, Low Carbon Ferrochrome), By Application (Stainless Steel, Other Steel), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Ferrochrome Market Size & Trends

The global ferrochrome market size was valued at USD 17.8 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030. Increasing stainless steel production around the globe is a significant factor driving the market growth. Ferrochrome (FeCr) is added to stainless steel to enhance its appearance and impart corrosion resistance. The minimum FeCr content in stainless steel is 10%, while the average content is 18%. The dynamics of the stainless steel industry play a crucial role in influencing FeCr supply and demand, as it accounts for the majority of ferrochrome consumption.

The Asia Pacific is mainly driven by the increasing production of stainless steel in China and India. Ferrochrome is widely used to manufacture stainless steel as it is resistant to corrosion and has an aesthetic appearance. As per the International Stainless Steel Forum, melt shop production of stainless steel in Asia reached 39,386 thousand metric tons in 2022.

Growing manufacturing activities and increasing foreign investments are some of the major factors driving the stainless steel market in the region. Foreign investments help to boost the growth of manufacturing sectors such as construction, heavy machinery, consumer goods, and automotive. As per the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the inward foreign direct investment (FDI) rate for Asia was 9.1% in 2017, the highest of all regions.

ASEAN-5, which comprises Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, is also likely to contribute to the demand for ferrochrome over the coming years. Amid the global slowdown stated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2019, ASEAN-5 countries are likely to maintain a steady growth of 5.1% in 2019 as per IMF. In addition, these countries are attracting significant foreign investments in various end-use industries such as automotive and construction, where the demand for stainless steel is significantly high.

The FeCr production is a highly electrical energy intensive process. Estimated power consumption of 4,500 kWh and 2.5 tons of chromite ore is required to manufacture one ton of the product. The current method of production, which is used globally, involves carbothermic smelting reduction of chromite in submerged electric arc furnaces (SAF).

Application Insights

The stainless steel segment held the largest revenue share of 83.8% in 2022. FeCr is mainly added to reduce oxidation and improve its aesthetic appearance. As of 2022, there was no substitute for ferrochrome for the aforementioned purposes in stainless steel application. As a result, the demand for products is expected to remain strong over the coming years.

The other steel segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period. Ferrochrome is also added to carbon & low alloy, engineering, tool, and high-strength steels. The product is added to impart additional hardness, wear resistance, and toughness. Alloy steels are mainly used in the building & construction industry.

Product Insights

The high carbon ferrochrome (HC FeCr) segment held the largest revenue share of 92.6% in 2022. The significant factor contributing to the dominance of HC FeCr is its lower cost and availability of larger reserves as compared to other products. As a result, this product is largely consumed by stainless steel manufacturers.

The low carbon ferrochrome (LC FeCr) segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period. Although LC FeCr) is also used in stainless steel, the major applications of the product are carbon & low alloy, and tool steels. Steel producers typically use low carbon ferrochrome in the last stages of production to add the precise quantity of chrome without affecting the carbon levels.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the global ferrochrome market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 61.8% in 2022. This dominance can be attributed to significant stainless steel production in the region. China, known as the largest producer and consumer of stainless steel globally, observed a 1.64 percent year-on-year increase in its stainless steel output, surpassing 30.6 million tons in 2021. Additionally, the apparent consumption of stainless steel experienced a modest growth of 1.92 percent year-on-year, reaching approximately 26.1 million tons, According to China Daily. Besides China, India is yet another lucrative market for FeCr as the production of stainless steel in the country has gathered a rapid momentum over the past few years.

Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period. Europe is characterized by the presence of a large number of automakers and auto component manufacturers in Germany and a massive aerospace manufacturing sector in France. As a result, there is considerable domestic production of stainless steel as a variety of auto components are manufactured by stainless steel. Moreover, the recent trend indicates protectionist policies implemented by the government to boost domestic steel production. This is a positive factor for FeCr market as it will likely result in increasing demand for the product.

In North America, the U.S. is a considerably larger market for ferrochrome when compared to Canada and Mexico. Rising prices of stainless steel owing to greater demand from domestic producers may negatively affect its demand and thereby offset its production. This uncertainty is expected to influence the dynamics of the ferrochrome industry in the country.

The Central & South American market is mainly driven by the rising production of specialty and stainless steel in Brazil. Currently, in the Brazilian automotive sector, beneficial policies for domestic vendors are the key factors driving stainless steel production which contributes to the consumption of ferrochrome.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is largely dictated by China, as China is the largest supplier and consumer of FeCr. The suppliers in China are unorganized independent smelters who procure chromite ore from countries such as India, South Africa, and Turkey to produce ferrochrome.

Suppliers outside China are mainly present in South Africa, Turkey, India, and Kazakhstan. The supply landscape outside China is consolidated in nature. Furthermore, most of the manufacturers outside China are integrated in nature and produce FeCr from their own chromite ore mines.

Recent Developments

• In October 2022, Oman Chrome Company entered into an agreement to acquire a 20 percent stake in a low-carbon ferrochrome plant for a sum of USD 1.3 million (RO 500,000). The plant is presently being constructed in the Sohar Port and Freezone, serving as an expansion to the portfolio of value-added projects related to chrome ore. It is anticipated that this investment will contribute approximately 10 percent to the company's overall profits.

• In September 2022, SAL STEEL LTD., announced the establishment of a three-year supply agreement with AIA Engineering (AIA) for the provision of ferrochrome. The agreement allows for the supply of ferrochrome to AIA on a non-exclusive basis. SAL STEEL operates in the manufacturing sector, specifically engaged in the production of sponge iron, ferro alloys, and power. The company's products are marketed both domestically and internationally. AIA Engineering, on the other hand, specializes in the manufacturing of high chrome mill internals.

• Merafe Resources Limited, a leading ferrochrome producer, reported that its attributable production from the Glencore Merafe Chrome Venture for the nine months of 2022 experienced a 3.7% increase, reaching 286 kilotons in comparison to the same period in 2021.

Ferrochrome Market Report Scope

Global Ferrochrome Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global ferrochrome market on the basis of product, application and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilotons; Volume, Kilotons, 2018 - 2030)

  • High Carbon Ferrochrome

  • Medium Carbon Ferrochrome

  • Low Carbon Ferrochrome

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilotons; Volume, Kilotons, 2018 - 2030)

  • Stainless Steel

  • Other Steel

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilotons; Volume, Kilotons, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Russia

    • Turkey

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • Vietnam

    • South Korea

    • Indonesia

    • Malaysia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • Egypt