[ferro-alloys.com] Sources in the US reported a flurry of activity in thelow- carbon ferrochrome market as traders look to take a position on material. While the DLA will not be offering material this month, there was a heightened sense of urgency to meet contractual needs of suppliers. Multiple sources reported transactions within the trade of over 100 tons at the current CRU RN’s low of 198 cents per lbex-warehouse to just over 200 cents all cash deals. Despite no movement to current prices, many expect an uptike in the coming weeks, should supply be further restrained. One seller commented, “My next sale will be higher. I cannot remember the last time that I was able to raise prices on low-carbon ferrochrome. Sellers can ask for higher prices. There just are not a lot of people offering 0.10 C materials.”

 

In September, the DLA sold 420 tons of LC FeCr and 2,215 tons ofhigh-carbon ferrochrome. The total sale was approximately $3.75-million, and the buyers were CCMA, Medima, and Veritas Alloys and Metals.

 

The high-carbon ferrochrome market was persistent week-on- week, and few sources noted deals at the current lows in the US. Many believe that there is continued upward pressure on the current range, particularly as supply is constrained in Europe, where sellers can command premiums on material.