Core Viewpoint - The high carbon ferrochrome market is currently influenced by both "weak reality" and "weak expectations," leading to a lack of market confidence, although short-term attention is needed on raw material adjustments, downstream stainless steel market changes, and effective demand release [1] Group 1: Market Performance - The current market price for high carbon ferrochrome is around 8100-8300 CNY per 50 base tons, reflecting a weak and cautious market outlook [2] - Terminal demand remains sluggish, with the stainless steel market continuing to operate weakly, which has intensified negative sentiment towards ferrochrome [2] - Recent trading activity in the high carbon ferrochrome market has been lackluster, with strong price-cutting sentiment towards chrome ore, although a decline in chrome ore prices has created some bargaining pressure in the ferrochrome market [2] Group 2: Chrome Ore Market - The latest price for South African chrome concentrate (40-42% grade) at Tianjin Port is reported at 282 USD per ton, remaining stable compared to previous periods [4] - A detailed price table for chrome ore indicates various grades and their corresponding prices, with South African block ore (36%-38% grade) priced at 52-54 CNY per ton and South African concentrate (42%-44% grade) priced at 300-310 USD per ton [5]

Group 1: Iron Ore Market - Iron ore prices experienced slight fluctuations, driven by strong shipping intentions from traders and steel companies' low-price procurement ahead of the "May Day" holiday [1] - The overall demand for iron ore remains good due to high operating rates in steel mills, with port arrivals of iron ore increasing and inventory levels continuing to decline, albeit at a slower rate [1] - Despite a slight drop in iron ore futures prices, the fundamentals suggest a potential for slight upward price movement in the near term [1] Group 2: Metallurgical Coke Market - Domestic metallurgical coke prices remained stable, supported by increasing iron output and good demand for metallurgical coke [2] - Some steel companies are experiencing urgency for dry quenching first-grade metallurgical coke, but overall acceptance of price increases is low due to stable steel market conditions and unchanged profits [2] - It is expected that metallurgical coke prices will remain stable in the near term [2] Group 3: Coking Coal Market - Coking coal prices showed a downward trend, with online auction prices fluctuating and instances of unsold lots [3] - Prices for low-sulfur coking coal in Shanxi were reported at 1310 yuan/ton, while prices for gas coal in Shaanxi ranged from 840 to 870 yuan/ton [3] - Overall demand for coking coal remains supported by high operating rates in coke enterprises, with expectations of stable prices leading up to the "May Day" holiday [3] Group 4: Ferroalloy Market - Ferroalloy prices showed a stable to slightly increasing trend, with silicon iron prices remaining stable and production in major regions increasing slightly [4] - The market for silicon manganese is expected to operate steadily with a slight downward bias, as procurement prices from steel companies have decreased [4] - High-carbon ferrochrome prices are stable, with procurement prices from major companies showing a slight increase, but overall demand remains moderate [4] Group 5: Vanadium and Molybdenum Alloys - Vanadium-nitrogen alloy prices decreased by 1000 yuan/ton, while vanadium iron prices remained stable, indicating limited price fluctuation space [5] - Molybdenum iron prices increased by 8000 yuan/ton, driven by rising raw material costs and good demand from steel companies [5] - The procurement pace for molybdenum iron has slowed following price increases, with expectations of stable to slightly fluctuating prices in the near term [5]