PROJECTS

End users of ferrochrome primarily consist of stainless steel and specialty steel manufacturers, where purchasing and supply chain planning are critical to operational success. Any disruption in the supply of ferrochrome can lead to significant production delays and losses.

Chromiumtrade has been a trusted partner to a leading ferrochrome producer in Zimbabwe, assisting them in developing a robust strategy to foster long-term, reliable relationships with their end customers. This includes optimizing transit routes, evaluating nearby warehousing options for consignment stock, and establishing just-in-sequence delivery plans.

The strategy ensures that steel producers in Europe and the Americas have access to a guaranteed safety stock near their production facilities, while the ferrochrome producer retains control over the material until final delivery. Chromiumtrade also finances the goods, offering a comprehensive view of the entire supply process, which enables us to provide the most competitive financing terms by reducing transaction risks.

For over 50 years, Chromiumtrade has played a key role in strengthening the supply chain, building trust, and establishing mutually beneficial, long-term partnerships between the ferrochrome producer based in Zimbabwe and its end users.

Chromiumtrade has established a strong and enduring presence in China, developing long-term relationships with a leading state-owned steel producer over several decades. Historically, sales from Chinese producers in Europe have historically been subject to volatility, with end users typically purchasing on an as-needed basis and displaying a more speculative approach to buying. This inconsistency created challenges for steel producers in areas such as logistics, production planning, and quality control, as European buyers did not fully rely on Chinese suppliers for their core purchasing needs.

To address these challenges, Chromiumtrade partnered with a major Chinese producer to create a more stable market presence through an exclusive distribution agreement. This collaboration involved the development of a comprehensive customer and distribution strategy, which emphasized the benefits of a local presence to end users. By working with Chromiumtrade, customers could establish a more reliable and long-term supply chain.

As a result, sales prices stabilized, reducing the speculative nature of customer purchasing behaviour, and sales volumes became more consistent. This stability enabled both end users and the Chinese producer to benefit from better planning and forecasting. Additionally, lower logistical costs and economies of scale led to more competitive pricing, resulting in improved purchasing and sales conditions for both parties.

The automotive industry is known for its complex supply chain, balancing long-term planning with the need for short-term flexibility. Chromiumtrade has been a trusted partner to several clients in the electric vehicle sector, providing seamless steel supply solutions from China. Leveraging our established presence in the region and extensive expertise in transit routes between China, Europe, and the Americas, we deliver comprehensive solutions that minimize supply chain disruptions while maintaining flexibility and cost-efficiency.

By collaborating closely with our clients, we developed tailored supply chain plans that allowed for accurate transit time predictions and smoother coordination with Asian suppliers. Chromiumtrade took on the role of both logistics and financing agent, ensuring the efficient, cost-effective delivery of materials to their final destinations.

The automotive industry’s dynamic production schedules can often challenge tertiary suppliers, especially during production spikes. During such periods, Chromiumtrade responded swiftly, identifying alternative shipping routes that expedited delivery and helped avoid costly delays or penalties.

With our deep experience in logistics, Chromiumtrade ensures that shipments are managed with precision, minimizing waiting times by working with trusted partners at key locations along the route.

At Chromiumtrade, we understand the financial challenges faced by long-standing clients in the steel sector, particularly during periods of heightened working capital demands. Raw material procurement represents a significant portion of costs, with global supply chains adding further complexity.

Market volatility, especially during price surges, often leads to increased demand for raw materials at higher prices—placing substantial pressure on cash flow and inventory management. Conversely, in slower market conditions, stock levels can rapidly accumulate, creating financial strain even when prices are most favourable for procurement.

Chromiumtrade offers tailored financial solutions to help clients navigate these challenges. Unlike traditional banking institutions, we provide customized support that enhances stock management and working capital efficiency, ensuring our clients remain agile and competitive in any market environment.