[Ferro-Alloys.com] US Bulk Alloy Imports Decline in 4Q 2024 Amid Global Supply Challenges

US bulk alloy imports fell by 13% in 4Q 2024 due to weather issues and trade challenges. Read more about the trends and market shifts.

Silico-Manganese

Reduced shipments of ferro-alloys contribute to a 13% drop in bulk alloy imports.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, US imports of bulk alloys, including high-carbon ferro-chrome, silico-manganese, high-carbon ferro-manganese, and ferro-silicon, saw a notable decline. According to data from the US Commerce Department, total shipments dropped by 13% year-over-year, reaching 227,614 metric tonnes. This decrease reflects various challenges in global supply chains, including weather-related disruptions and production constraints in key export countries.

Surge in High-Carbon Ferro-Chrome Imports

Despite the overall decline, some specific alloys experienced significant shifts. High-carbon ferro-chrome shipments from Albania and Brazil saw substantial increases in the quarter. From just 25 tonnes last year, Albania's shipments surged to 14,948 tonnes, while Brazil's exports grew from zero to 8,997 tonnes. These gains helped partially offset the drops seen from other regions.

India’s Role in Silico-Manganese Imports

India played a critical role in boosting silico-manganese imports, with shipments to the US increasing by 15%, reaching 11,160 tonnes in the quarter. This rise in Indian exports helped balance declines from major suppliers like Georgia, Mexico, Australia, and South Africa. India's contribution to the overall import total for silico-manganese is a key development for the US alloy market.

Weather and Trade Issues Impact Other Imports

The drop in high-carbon ferro-manganese imports was particularly significant, falling by 45% due to weather-related events and production challenges in Malaysia and Australia. Additionally, the absence of Russian ferro-silicon from the US market further contributed to the year-over-year decline. The ongoing trade case targeting imports from Malaysia and Brazil also led to sharp decreases, with shipments from Malaysia dropping to zero and those from Brazil falling to 3,117 tonnes, down from 7,400 tonnes the previous year.

Full-Year Bulk Alloy Imports See Growth

Looking at the full year, total bulk alloy imports increased by 14% to 1.1 million tonnes, driven primarily by higher imports of high-carbon ferro-chrome and silico-manganese. Despite the quarterly decline, 2024 showed overall growth in bulk alloy imports compared to the previous year.

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• [Editor:tianyawei]