Turkish Chrome Ore Exporters Expect Increase in H1 2009

In January Turkish chrome ore exports were 70,490 Tonnes, over 37% lower than the same month of last year Steel Business Briefing learns from Istanbul Mineral & Metals Exporters Association (IMMIB) data.

January exports were substantially higher than December’s 17,435 Tonnes, but still 60% lower than last year’s monthly average.

Turkey’s largest chrome ore exporter, Etikrom, tells SBB that the January export figures are a positive sign, even if they show a decline y-on-y, after the volumes in the last three months of 2008. “Turkish chrome ore exports have started to move up, and we are expecting to see more increases until May or June,” the company says.

Etikrom’s price for February as $275/tonne, and for March $300/Tonnes for 42 % grade lumpy material cfr Chinese main ports, SBB is told.

It is also reported that China imported large amounts of chrome ore (62,069 Ton) before the Chinese New Year, and also that Russia and US imported small amounts last month.

Source:   Steel Business Briefing

http://www.steelbb.com

• Yuan falls against U.S. dollar for 11 straight days (0)
• OMC reduces Indian chrome ore price for Q1 shipments (0)
• Manufacturing maintains growth arc (0)
• China to decide soon whether tolling is okay (0)
• China Machine Tool Industry Research 2008 (0)
• 48 Major Steel Mills in The Red (0)
• Yuan’s climb so far exceeds last year (0)
• Yuan seen to remain stable in long term (0)
• Yuan may stay strong against dollar / Update-1 (0)
• Yuan falls on talk pace of rise to slow (0)