Iron Alloy Online, August 5, 2025: The retail price of downstream high-carbon ferro-chromium has risen by 150-200 yuan per 50 metric tons in recent times. Factory operations remain stable, and inquiries and purchases of chrome ore have increased. The transaction prices are constantly approaching the higher end. 

Firstly, in the chrome ore futures market, due to the increase in domestic market inquiries and purchases, the transaction price of South African futures has rebounded. Among them, the transaction price of 42-44% chrome concentrate from a major supplier has risen from the previous $280 per ton to the current $287 per ton. On the other hand, although the price of 40-42% chrome concentrate remains at $265 per ton, the transaction volume has significantly increased, and the transaction prices of other mainstream suppliers have also slightly risen to $267-268 per ton. This round of purchases includes not only factories maintaining normal production in the later period but also some chrome ore traders joining the purchasing ranks. 

Secondly, the spot market for chrome ore has seen a notable increase in activity recently. A few ore suppliers who were previously affected by the pessimistic market sentiment and sold their goods at low prices have gradually withdrawn from the market. Additionally, as high-cost chrome ore from earlier purchases has been arriving at ports in large quantities, the supply has become concentrated, and some suppliers have maintained firm quotations. Although the transaction volume of mainstream chrome ore has not improved significantly, it is also not easy for factories to purchase at low prices. 

Then there is the downstream alloy market. Although the purchasing price of high-carbon ferro-chrome by steel mills was reduced by 100 to 200 yuan per 50 basic tons in August, driven by costs and demand, the retail price and tender price of ferro-chrome reversed and rose. In August, the tender pricing of carbon steel mills and special steel mills rebounded. The processing block price rose to 8,590 yuan per 50 basic tons, which was even higher than the commercial acceptance price at the factory, giving suppliers a certain confidence to hold prices and protect prices. 

In summary, considering the current futures prices, holding costs, and the support from downstream ferro-chrome prices, the spot prices of chrome ore will stabilize and operate steadily.