Price-Watch™ most active coverage of Chromium Oxide (CO) price assessment:
Asia-Pacific
- Chromium Oxide Purity (99% Min) FOB Shanghai, China
- Chromium Oxide Purity (99% Min) CIF Tokyo (China), Japan
Note: In assessments structured as CIF [Importing Port] (Exporting Country), the country mentioned in brackets indicates the primary origin of supply (exporting country), while the named port refers to the destination port in the importing country. Other Incoterms (FOB, FD, EXW, etc.) should be interpreted according to standard international trade definitions.
Chromium Oxide (Cr₂O₃) Price Trend Q1 2026
In Q1 of 2026, key Asian markets for chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃) experienced decreased pricing on a quarter-to-quarter basis, with Cr₂O₃ prevailing prices from 7.08% to 7.33% overall. This decline has been primarily driven by lack of demand from downstream industries such as pigments, ceramics, and refractories, combined with sufficient inventories throughout the marketplace.
Various geopolitical events such as disruptions within Red Sea shipping routes and longer transit times led to further logistical uncertainty and volatile freight rates, although no definitive evidence has been uncovered that would indicate actual impacts on regional trade flows.
Except for slight impacts resulting from fluctuations in crude oil market price volatility; the chromite ore feedstock market has remained stable throughout this period so as such it hasn’t contributed to the decline in chromium oxide prices.
Therefore, overall supply conditions have been determined to have been in balance and have continued to hold through the beginning of Q2 2026 due primarily to reduced downstream demand affecting pricing movements.
China: Chromium Oxide (99% min); Ex Shanghai
In Q1 2026, Chromium Oxide prices in China showed a notable downward trend, influenced by weaker domestic demand across pigment and ceramic manufacturing sectors. The decline has been driven by reduced consumption from coatings, construction materials, and refractory industries, as buyers adopted cautious procurement strategies.
The Chromium Oxide price trend in China reflected sufficient supply availability, with producers maintaining steady operating rates throughout the quarter. Feedstock chromite ore prices remained relatively stable, limiting cost-driven price fluctuations.
Market participants focused on inventory management amid moderate industrial activity. In March 2026, Chromium Oxide prices in China decreased by 7.33% under Ex-Shanghai, indicating a bearish market environment.
Japan: Chromium Oxide (99% min); CIF Tokyo (China)
The price of chromium oxide in Japan has been decreasing steadily since January 2026. Imports into Japan from China have been moderate due to a slow declining price trend across the region. The moderate consumption demand for pigment, ceramics and other specialty materials have driven the decrease in chromium price in Japan.
The Chromium oxide price trend in Japan has been consistent with balanced supply conditions as consistent imports from China have continued to provide adequate volume availability for buyers. The buyers’ conservative purchasing strategies have been utilized to control inventory levels.
Supply conditions have remained relatively stable, and feedstocks have provided limited cost-based pressure on factory prices. Between February and March 2026, the price for chromium oxide in Japan has decreased by7.08% under the CIF Tokyo market for all shipments.


