Key Takeaways
- • Samchrome FZE set the Q4 2026 European Benchmark Ferrochrome Price at 152 US cents/lb, down 4 cents (about 2.6%) from 156 cents/lb in Q3, according to a press release dated October 2.
- • The Q4 benchmark marks the second consecutive quarterly reduction, following 161 cents/lb in Q2, and sits 9 cents (about 5.6%) below that level.
- • The Q4 reference is 3 cents lower year-on-year, versus 155 cents/lb for both Q1 2026 and Q4 2025.
- • The European benchmark runs separately from China's spot and tender market, where SMM's national average high-carbon ferrochrome price was 7,575 yuan/mt (50% metal basis) on October 26, down about 33 yuan/mt week-on-week.
Summary
Samchrome FZE, the Dubai-based exclusive distributor of Samancor Chrome's ferrochrome and chrome ore, has set the European Benchmark Ferrochrome Price for the fourth quarter of 2026 at 152 US cents per pound, according to a press release dated October 2. The figure is 4 cents, or about 2.6%, below the 156 US cents/lb set for the third quarter.
The reduction is the second consecutive quarterly decline. The benchmark stood at 161 US cents/lb in Q2 and now sits 9 cents, or about 5.6%, lower than that level. Compared with 155 US cents/lb for both Q1 2026 and Q4 2025, the Q4 reference is 3 cents lower year-on-year.
The benchmark is the negotiated quarterly reference that European stainless steel producers use for South African-origin ferrochrome supplied through Samancor's distribution network. It operates separately from China's spot and tender-based market. Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) reported a national average high-carbon ferrochrome price of 7,575 yuan/mt (50% metal basis) on October 26, down about 33 yuan/mt week-on-week.
The reduction is the second consecutive quarterly decline. The benchmark stood at 161 US cents/lb in Q2 and now sits 9 cents, or about 5.6%, lower than that level. Compared with 155 US cents/lb for both Q1 2026 and Q4 2025, the Q4 reference is 3 cents lower year-on-year.
The benchmark is the negotiated quarterly reference that European stainless steel producers use for South African-origin ferrochrome supplied through Samancor's distribution network. It operates separately from China's spot and tender-based market. Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) reported a national average high-carbon ferrochrome price of 7,575 yuan/mt (50% metal basis) on October 26, down about 33 yuan/mt week-on-week.
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