Live FOT/FOB chrome ore prices for South African suppliers and brokers. Rates anchored to SMM CIF Tianjin benchmarks and updated in real time. CR36% ROM to CR42%+ all grades covered.
South African chrome ore FOT prices are calculated using a reverse netback from the CIF Tianjin (China) benchmark price. The formula deducts ocean freight ($25/t), port handling at Matola Terminal ($13/t), inland trucking from the mine, and a R5.00/t platform facilitation fee.
The CIF benchmark is adjusted per grade relative to the CR42% standard. CR38% ore trades at approximately $22/t below CR42%. All calculations are anchored to live SMM (Shanghai Metals Market) data.
Steelpoort (Eastern Limb) — Limpopo province, primary chrome ore corridor. Inland trucking to Maputo: ~R950/t. Closest to Matola Terminal.
Rustenburg (Western Limb) — North West province. Longer haul to Maputo: ~R1,320/t.
Thabazimbi — Limpopo, Waterberg district. Inland trucking: ~R1,150/t.
As of today, CR38% chrome ore FOT Steelpoort is approximately R3 565/t, based on SMM CIF Tianjin at $283/t and USD/ZAR at 18.4500. Prices update in real time as market conditions change.
FOT (Free On Truck) is the price at the mine gate or warehouse — the supplier loads onto the buyer's truck. FOB (Free On Board) includes delivery to a port or siding where the cargo is loaded onto a vessel. FOB adds port and logistics costs on top of FOT.
WAG stands for Weighted Average Grade. When a shipment contains multiple stockpile lots with different Cr₂O₃ grades and tonnages, the WAG is the tonnage-weighted average grade across all lots. This is used to determine the applicable CIF benchmark and fair rate.
Send a photo of your assay certificate to FAIR TRADE on WhatsApp (+1 415 523 8886). Our AI engine reads the grade data, asks 3 quick questions (location, tonnage, deal type), and returns a live SMM-anchored fair rate in under 30 seconds.
FAIR TRADE charges a flat R5.00 per wet metric tonne on confirmed deals facilitated through the platform. This fee is fixed and non-negotiable. It is deducted in the FOT calculation and disclosed in every rate output.
Send your assay via WhatsApp — live rate in 20 seconds. First 3 checks free.