U.S. imports of Chromium Ores and Concentrates (SITC 28791) totaled $1.7M in August 2026, imported from 5 countries.
Last updated: August 2026 dataChromite ore is the sole commercially significant mineral in this heading and the exclusive natural source of chromium for stainless steel, ferrochrome, and refractory chrome-magnesite bricks. The US has no domestic chromite mining of consequence, making import supply essential for the metallurgical and chemical chromium industries. Geographic concentration of high-grade metallurgical-grade chromite in southern Africa and Kazakhstan means that supply disruptions or freight-rate spikes in those corridors translate directly into cost pressure for US ferrochrome producers and stainless steel mills.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
43 import shipments a month
Chromite is traded in three principal grades: metallurgical grade (high Cr₂O₃, used in ferrochrome and stainless steel), chemical grade (used in chromium chemicals and pigments), and refractory grade (used in high-temperature brick and linings). Each grade has distinct Cr:Fe ratio specifications, and purchase contracts should clearly state the grade and minimum Cr₂O₃ content to avoid disputes at delivery.
Chromite ore itself has not historically been subject to broad antidumping or countervailing duty orders in the US, but importers should verify current CBP and Commerce Department records, as trade-remedy status can change. Downstream ferrochrome products have faced separate trade actions that can indirectly affect sourcing decisions for ore.
Basic heading 116 of 239 in section 2
Basic heading 28791 · $1.7M of $3.8B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
South Africa and Canada together supply 98% of it.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$1.7MYoY · free account
Exports
$568KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $20.1M of Chromium Ores and Concentrates and exported $4.0M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.