The US market for low-carbon and high-carbon ferrochrome saw an added lift over the past week as supply for the two alloys remained tight. Buyers hoping to procure low-carbon ferrochrome from the DLA may have been out of luck. Sales were down since July for slightly higher carbon specifications, and there was no BOA sale in October. Meanwhile, the new offering for fiscal year 2014 has yet to be made. In addition, supply of 0.10 C materials entering the US market has been held under tight control, particularly to the trade, as several players looked to cover their requirements.

 

Prices for low-carbon ferrochrome 0.10 C rose to 200-204? per lb, ex warehouse on the heels of recent purchases. High-carbon ferrochrome saw a slightly higher activity as well, at 102-106? per lb, ex warehouse. Most negotiations have otherwise been devoted to long-term contract agreements. Few felt, however, that the spot market would see substantially bigger business in terms of volume over the coming weeks.