Expert commentary from Tanisha Schultz, Senior Analyst, and Jessica Fung, Head of Consulting, at Project Blue, together with Sheraz Neffati, Executive Director of the Chromium Development Association (ICDA)
The global chrome market is entering a new phase, shaped by changing energy economics, shifting trade flows and the emergence of new centres of demand. Whilst China remains the dominant force in the sector, growing stainless steel and ferrochrome production in Indonesia and India is gradually reshaping the market.
For South Africa, recent developments have improved the outlook for domestic ferrochrome production. Lower effective power costs have strengthened the economics of local smelting operations and could support a modest recovery in output, although long-term competitiveness will continue to depend on factors such as investment, policy certainty and global demand.
At the same time, sustainability and supply chain resilience are becoming increasingly important considerations. Regulations such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), alongside broader shifts in industrial policy, are encouraging market participants to reassess sourcing strategies and long-term supply relationships.
These themes and their implications for the chrome and ferroalloys industries were explored in a recent webinar hosted by Project Blue in collaboration with the International Chromium Development Association (ICDA), featuring Tanisha Schultz and Jessica Fung of Project Blue, together with Sheraz Neffati, Executive Director of the ICDA.
Watch the full webinar presentation here: https://www.projectblue.com/blue?article=1629&type=blueview
For those looking to explore the outlook for chrome, ferrochrome and the wider ferroalloys market in greater depth, these topics will be discussed further at the Critical Materials Conference: Ferroalloys 2026, taking place from 8-9 September, in Johannesburg.
