01 An Increase in Demand from the Electronic Industry Chromium's resistance to corrosion makes it an excellent material for electroplating electrical and electronic equipment, particularly for coating electro-galvanized steel, zinc, copper, and aluminium. Chromium's anticorrosive qualities make it an ideal material for electroplating. According to the Statistical Handbook of Japan 2021, the production and shipment of electronic equipment reached US$ 52.6 billion during the fourth quarter of 2020, and it is anticipated that this number will continue to rise over the course of the following years. Furthermore, Lenovo Group, a leading brand in consumer electronics and media, published the annual report for the fiscal year that ended in March 2021, which stated that the total revenue of the company reached US$ 60,742 million in the fiscal year 2020/21, an increase of 20 percent compared to the fiscal year 2019/20. The report also stated that the company's headquarters are located in Beijing, China.Recent research findings from the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) indicate that the United States invested approximately US$ 142.2 billion in the production of computers and approximately US$ 53 billion in consumer electronics such as cell phones, TV, and other applications of a comparable nature. It also claims that China's National IC Fund had spent US$ 39 billion as of July 2021, of which 69.7 percent had been allocated for front-end manufacturing to boost China's share of global semiconductor production. This information was found in the document. Because of this, it is anticipated that the demand for chromium, which is used in the electroplating of electrical and electronic equipment, will increase as a result of such an increase in production and demand for electronic products and equipment. In the approaching years, the expansion of this market is most likely going to be driven by this factor.
01 Health Hazards Associated with the Use of Hexavalent Chromium Long-term contact with hexavalent chromium can cause serious adverse consequences on a person's health, including occupational asthma, perforated eardrums, eye irritation or eye damage, respiratory irritation, liver damage, lung congestion, kidney damage, respiratory cancer, and skin irritation. Chromium can also cause skin ulcers, which are referred to as chrome ulcers, if it comes into touch with skin that is not intact. In addition, consistent or extended exposure to 0.045 nanograms per cubic metre of hexavalent chromium could raise the risk of cancer among employees, as stated by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). Therefore, the potential health risks connected with the use of chromium may inhibit the expansion of the market.
01 An Increase in Automobile Production According to a recent study that was published by the German Association of Automotive Industry during the fourth quarter of 2020, the new registration of motor vehicles reached 16,763 units in Europe, 37,467 units in Asia, 3080 units in South America, 17,421 units in North America, 12,733 units in Western Europe, and 5180 units in other regions worldwide. The study also found that the number of new registrations of motor vehicles in other regions worldwide totaled 5180. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) said that the demand for new passenger cars in the European Union (EU) had a considerable increase of 25.2% from the months of January through June 2021, reaching a total of around 5.4 million units.Since the epidemic, there has been a growth in the amount of demand for the manufacturing and research and development of electric vehicles, according to a study that was only recently published by the International Netherlands Group (ING). It was reported that the global sales of new electric vehicles climbed by 50% in 2021 and are predicted to increase by 8% in 2022. In addition, it is mentioned that the sales of electric vehicles have climbed by 14% in Europe, by 9% in China, and by 4% in the United States. Chromium is primarily used for electroplating and conversion coatings in the exterior and interior of vehicle parts such as steering wheel trims, console trims, gear shifts, licence plate frames, bumpers, headlights, and other similar parts. As a result, an increase in demand for automobiles and production of automobiles is expected to increase the demand for chromium. Chromium is primarily used for electroplating and conversion coatings. Because of this, it is projected that the expansion of the market would accelerate over the next several years.
April 2026 Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture extended its restructuring timeline while continuing discussions with stakeholders to maintain ferrochrome production and improve the long-term competitiveness of its chromium operations in South Africa.
February 2026 Marubeni Corporation expanded its metals and mineral resources portfolio through new business initiatives supporting the global supply chain for critical minerals, including chromium and ferroalloys, to strengthen long-term resource security.
October 2025 Tharisa plc advanced beneficiation initiatives and renewable energy integration at its chrome operations while progressing the commercialization of iron-chromium redox flow battery technology to expand chromium value-added applications.
August 2025 Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) continued implementation of strategic memoranda of understanding with leading Japanese companies to advance low-carbon ferrochrome production and strengthen Central Asian chromium supply chains.