France: Market for Chromium Ores and Concentrates 2024

Market Size for Chromium Ores and Concentrates in France

The French chromium ore and concentrate market fell dramatically to $X in 2022, declining by -18.2% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption continues to indicate a abrupt curtailment. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Chromium Ores and Concentrates

Exports from France

In 2022, chromium ore and concentrate exports from France contracted to X tons, with a decrease of -14.8% on 2021 figures. In general, total exports indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +8.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +30.6% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 82% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2021, and then dropped in the following year.

In value terms, chromium ore and concentrate exports rose slightly to $X in 2022. Overall, total exports indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +25.3% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 49% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Spain (X tons), Belgium (X tons) and Germany (X tons) were the main destinations of chromium ore and concentrate exports from France, together accounting for 70% of total exports. Poland, Italy, Portugal and the UK lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 26%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Portugal (with a CAGR of +42.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Spain ($X) remains the key foreign market for chromium ores and concentrates exports from France, comprising 36% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Belgium ($X), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by Germany, with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Spain totaled +10.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Belgium (+27.8% per year) and Germany (+8.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average chromium ore and concentrate export price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 22% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average export price increased by 30% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Poland ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Germany (+1.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Chromium Ores and Concentrates

Imports into France

In 2022, the amount of chromium ores and concentrates imported into France declined markedly to X tons, which is down by -22.8% against 2021. In general, imports showed a pronounced reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 42% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2021, and then shrank dramatically in the following year.

In value terms, chromium ore and concentrate imports amounted to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports recorded a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 79% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

South Africa (X tons), Albania (X tons) and Germany (X tons) were the main suppliers of chromium ore and concentrate imports to France, with a combined 79% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Germany (with a CAGR of +11.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, South Africa ($X), Germany ($X) and the Netherlands ($X) were the largest chromium ore and concentrate suppliers to France, with a combined 76% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Albania, which accounted for a further 21%.

Albania, with a CAGR of +6.0%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average chromium ore and concentrate import price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 30% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a abrupt setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the average import price increased by 101% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2022, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for Albania ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Albania (+3.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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