Launch of chromium alumino-thermic 99.4% min, in-whs Rotterdam and amendment to chromium alumino-thermic 99% min, in-whs Rotterdam assessments

Following the conclusion of a consultation period, Fastmarkets has introduced a new monthly price assessment to reflect 99.4% min grade chromium commonly sourced from European producers, which is traded at a premium to the broader 99% grade.

This material had previously been included in the MB-CR-0001 chromium alumino-thermic 99% min, in-whs Rotterdam, $/tonne.

This launch ensures a more accurate reflection of market levels for this higher-specification material than the more commonly traded 99% minimum material, which Fastmarkets also assesses.

The new index specification is as follows:

MB-CR-0003 Chromium alumino-thermic 99.4% min, in-whs Rotterdam, $/tonne
Quality: Lump or powder. Cr 99.4% min, Fe 0.35% max, Al 0.10% max, Si 0.10% max, C 0.02% max, S 0.01% max, P 0.01% max, Pb 0.001% max, Cu 0.04% max, Sb 0.001% max, Sn 0.001% max, Bi 0.001% max, As 0.01% max, N 0.05% max
Quantity: Min 10 tonnes (+/-2%)
Location: In-whs Rotterdam
Timing: Prompt release
Unit: USD per tonne
Payment terms: Cash, other terms normalized
Publication: Monthly, first Friday of the month, between 2pm and 3pm London time
Notes: Lump form: Steel drums of uniform net weight, usually 300kg; Powder form: Steel drums of uniform net weight, typically 250kg; Material produced via alumino-thermic reaction

Accordingly, after the consultation period, Fastmarkets has amended the chromium alumino-thermic 99% min, in-whs Rotterdam, $/tonne assessment.

This amendment decouples the broader 99% grade, from higher grade material, which is now captured in the newly launched, separate price assessment.

The 99.4% material had been pushing up the top end of the range for MB-CR-0003 chromium alumino-thermic 99.4% min, in-whs Rotterdam, $/tonne assessment before the launch of the 99.4% standalone price.

The change aligns the specification with prevailing market usage and allows for a narrower, more representative price range for the 99% grade by decoupling differing quality levels and trade flows.

Fastmarkets’ 99% min specification now reflects Chinese market standards currently predominant in the spot market as defined by the Minor Metals Trade Association (MMTA), replacing the older Russian specifications.

The new index specification is as follows with the changes in italics:

MB-CR-0001 Chromium alumino-thermic 99% min, in-whs Rotterdam, $/tonne
Quality: Lump conforming to MMTA Chinese. Cr 99% min, Fe 0.4% max, Si 0.3% max, Al 0.3% max, Cu 0.04% max, C 0.02% max, S 0.02% max, P 0.01% max, Pb 0.005% max, Sb 0.001% max, Sn 0.001% max, Bi 0.001% max, As 0.01% max, N 0.05% max
Quantity: Min 10 tonnes (+/-2%)
Location: In-whs Rotterdam
Timing: Prompt release
Unit: USD per tonne
Payment terms: Cash, other terms normalized
Publication: Weekly, Friday between 2pm and 3pm London time
Notes: Steel drums of uniform net weight, usually 300kg. Fastmarkets launched a MB-CR-00013 chromium alumino-thermic assessment on May 2, 2025, to reflect 99.4% minimum material. Consequently, the long-standing MB-CR-0001 chromium price now only reflects material that meets the 99% MMTA China grade.

These prices are a part of the Fastmarkets minor metals package.

To provide feedback on this price or to become a data submitter, contact Solomon Cefai at: pricing@fastmarkets.com. Use the subject line: “FAO: Solomon Cefai, re: chromium alumino-thermic price assessment.”

Please indicate if comments are confidential. Fastmarkets will consider all comments received and will make those not marked as confidential available upon request.

For all methodology and specification documents, visit: https://www.fastmarkets.com/methodology