Demand for chromium chemicals has declined in recent years, as environmental concerns have seen tightening legislation limits its use in the two main end uses, leather tanning and metal finishing. Global demand peaked at around 1 million tonnes in 2001, falling by 32% to 680,000 tonnes in 2008.
Going forward, demand for chromium chemicals is going to be modest at best, growing at an annual average rate of 2.5% to 3% over the next 5 years.
Strong growth in the aerospace industry in recent years has seen demand for chromium metal increase sharply. World consumption of chromium metal increased by around 13% in 2008 to 40,000 tonnes, with demand for super alloys, the primary end-use market for chromium metal, driving the market. Over the next few years, the global downturn will have a negative impact on this market, as the aerospace industry in the USA and Europe declines. The market for chromium metal will decline in 2010, with growth returning in 2011.
