The global trade for metals shipped in containers is being constrained by weak demand despite lower freight costs and higher availability of boxes compared with earlier in the year, sources have told Fastmarkets

Imminent strike action at South Africa’s leading charge chrome and chrome ore producer Samancor could have a massive impact on global ferro-chrome production, with the company holding a 30% share of the worldwide market

Chromite prices rose further in the two weeks to Tuesday May 31 on support from cost pressures and logistical issues in South Africa

UG2/MG chrome ore prices experienced major declines in the week to Tuesday July 12, dropping by $15 per tonne week on week, as the market saw the beginnings of a break in the continuing stalemate of recent weeks

Prices for foundry and chemical grade chromite have been slow to respond to the boom so far this year in the metallurgical market

Chrome ore South Africa UG2 concentrates index basis 42%, cif China, $/tonne

Chrome ore Turkish lumpy 40-42%, cfr main Chinese ports, $/tonne