Product intelligence · HS 811221 · 2024 data

Chromium and articles thereof: unwrought chromium, powders

Global exports of chromium and articles thereof: unwrought chromium, powders totalled $560,901,582 in 2024, a +10.9% change from the previous year. Traded by 60 countries across 585 bilateral corridors, with demand from 99 importing markets. The long-term trend is growing.

Data: OECD BIMTS · Coverage: 19952024 · Updated: 2026-07-17

Global trade

$560.9M

+10.9% YoY

3Y / 5Y CAGR

+9.3%

5Y: +4.9%

Supply structure

Moderately concentrated

HHI 0.226

Volatility

Low

Score 12/100

1.

Market movement

In 2024, chromium and articles thereof: unwrought chromium, powders trade exhibited strong growth, with global flows reaching $560,901,582 and a three-year compound annual growth rate of +9.3% (five-year: +4.9%). The all-time peak of $677,051,069 was recorded in 2022; the current level is 17% below that high-water mark.

Over the 30-year observation window (19952024), 59% of years recorded positive growth, indicating a mildly upward trajectory with periodic contractions. Trend momentum is strengthening (+6.4% acceleration).

2.

Supply & demand structure

The supply side is moderately concentrated (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index 0.226). The three largest exporters — China ($193.9M), France ($131.0M), and United Kingdom ($113.4M) — collectively dominate supply flows. The leading exporter has grown at +76.0% over the last three years.

On the demand side, importer concentration is moderately concentrated (HHI 0.169). The three largest import markets are United States ($204.1M), Germany ($66.4M), and Japan ($55.7M). The largest importing market sources from 15 different supplying countries.

Estimated substitution elasticity: -35.64. Buyers are highly price-sensitive and can switch between suppliers relatively easily.

The dominant trade corridor is China → United States at $95.0M, representing 46.5% of the importer's total demand.

3.

Risk profile & trade outlook

The volatility score for chromium and articles thereof: unwrought chromium, powders is 12 out of 100, classified as low. Trade flows are relatively stable compared to other HS6 products, suggesting mature supply chains and predictable demand.

For market entrants, strong demand tailwinds create a favourable entry environment. A moderately concentrated market rewards differentiated positioning and strategic partner selection.

Data confidence is rated "High" based on reporting coverage and consistency across OECD member and partner countries.

Historical evidence

Annual trade value 19952024

Peak: $677,051,069 in 2022. Currently 17% below peak.

YearGlobal trade (USD)YoY growth
2015$354,164,898-16.1%
2016$346,996,751-2.0%
2017$380,300,380+9.6%
2018$534,157,860+40.5%
2019$440,945,747-17.5%
2020$310,096,144-29.7%
2021$429,644,523+38.6%
2022$677,051,069+57.6%
2023$505,545,704-25.3%
2024$560,901,582+10.9%

Top exporting countries

Ranked by export value of chromium and articles thereof: unwrought chromium, powders in 2024.

View all 60 exporters →

Top importing markets

Largest import destinations for chromium and articles thereof: unwrought chromium, powders.

View all 99 markets →

Leading trade corridors

Largest bilateral export flows for chromium and articles thereof: unwrought chromium, powders, ranked by value. Click any country to view its full profile.

#ExporterImporterValue 20243Y CAGR
1ChinaUnited States$95.0M+129.0%
2United KingdomUnited States$74.1M+36.3%
3FranceGermany$33.7M+32.1%
4ChinaJapan$30.0M+19.7%
5FranceUnited States$24.0M+4.3%
6ChinaNetherlands$17.5M+5171.0%
7FranceJapan$16.5M+18.3%
8FranceCanada$16.0M+24.9%

Showing top 8 of 10 corridors with available data for 2024.

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Sources, definitions & methodology

Data source

OECD Bilateral International Merchandise Trade Statistics (BIMTS). Aggregated from 312M+ reported trade records across 200+ countries and 5,300+ HS6 product codes. Coverage: 19952024.

Key indicators

HHI (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index): market concentration, 0 = fully diversified, 1 = single player. CAGR: compound annual growth rate over a stated period. Volatility score: trade value variability, 0–100 scale.

How this page is made

All statistical content on this page is data-driven, composed programmatically from live OECD trade records. No generic AI-generated prose is used. Analytical paragraphs combine real data points with factual interpretation. This page was last refreshed on 2026-07-17.