It is reported that the earthquake in southwest China's Sichuan province might leads to supply shortfalls in the province and nearby and pushes up the market price for ferrochrome.

Sichuan Mingda Group and Sichuan Jinguang Group, two largest ferrochrome producers in China, are both located in the disaster affected province. It's learned that Jinguang Group is still maintaining its operations at present, though unstable. Both groups are expected to report some production decline.

China may imports more ferrochrome if the earthquake leads to supply shortfalls, which may drive up the global sales price. Global ferrochrome price has increased by some USD 2000 per tonne to approximately USD 5400 per tonne at present due to the electric power shortages in South Africa.