Chromium ore trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in chromium ore was worth $6.83 billion in 2024, about 29.80 million tonnes. That is an increase of 139% since 2017, and up 24% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6.83B | 29.80M t |
| 2023 | $5.48B | 25.52M t |
| 2022 | $2.50B | 14.84M t |
| 2021 | $2.08B | 15.25M t |
| 2020 | $2.12B | 18.58M t |
| 2019 | $2.78B | 21.83M t |
| 2018 | $3.06B | 20.03M t |
| 2017 | $2.86B | 14.96M t |
Top chromium ore exporting countries
South Africa is the largest exporter with 76% of world exports, followed by Zimbabwe and Turkey. The top three supply 90% between them, out of 67 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $5.20B | 76% |
| Zimbabwe | $555.1M | 8.1% |
| Turkey | $415.5M | 6.1% |
| Pakistan | $133.9M | 2% |
| Kazakhstan | $113.7M | 1.7% |
| Albania | $110.1M | 1.6% |
| Oman | $56.3M | 0.8% |
| Papua New Guinea | $55.3M | 0.8% |
| Philippines | $37.0M | 0.5% |
| Madagascar | $33.3M | 0.5% |
| Netherlands | $22.2M | 0.3% |
| China | $20.8M | 0.3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 50% of world imports, ahead of Mozambique and Indonesia. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 88% across 109 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.39B | 50% |
| Mozambique | $1.98B | 29% |
| Indonesia | $630.2M | 9.2% |
| Russia | $134.3M | 2% |
| Hong Kong | $92.7M | 1.4% |
| India | $82.2M | 1.2% |
| Singapore | $66.7M | 1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $61.5M | 0.9% |
| South Africa | $54.0M | 0.8% |
| Turkey | $50.1M | 0.7% |
| Sweden | $41.5M | 0.6% |
| Netherlands | $41.3M | 0.6% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.23 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Kazakhstan averaged $0.39 per kg and South Africa $0.21 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 2610: Chromium ores and concentrates. HS 2610 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most chromium ore?
South Africa exported $5.20 billion in 2024, 76% of the world total, followed by Zimbabwe (8%) and Turkey (6%). In all, 67 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most chromium ore?
China imported $3.39 billion in 2024, 50% of world imports, ahead of Mozambique (29%) and Indonesia (9%). The top three importers together take 88%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in chromium ore?
It was worth $6.83 billion in 2024, about 29.80 million tonnes. That is an increase of 139% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 67 countries reported exports and 109 reported imports.
What is the average price of chromium ore per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.23 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Kazakhstan averaged $0.39 per kg and South Africa $0.21 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for chromium ore?
The HS code for chromium ore is heading 2610, in chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 2610 page.
How can I find chromium ore buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.