Annual conferences
Our unique annual conferences are the largest gatherings of the chromium industry and offer attendees the opportunity to gain valuable market insights, hear industry experts, keep up-to-date with industry issues and to access invaluable networking opportunities.
CHROMIUM 2025
Seville, Spain
4-6 November 2025
An outlook of European and International chrome markets!
The International Chromium Development Association is pleased to announce that it will host its landmark conference, Chromium, in Seville, Spain on 4-6 November 2025.
Key insights have been provided by recent conferences held in both the China and South Africa, which currently are the leading forces in the chrome industry. It is now time to examine the current state of the European market, which is at a critical turning point. The emergence of Europe as a new economic and political bloc between the USA and the Global South has coincided with significant shifting trends in the region’s industrial competitiveness.
The region has been affected by international trade wars and geopolitical conflicts, as well as its complex regulatory environment in comparison to other jurisdictions. These factors have had a significant impact on the local ferroalloy and stainless steel sectors.
The new geopolitical landscape is prompting a rethinking of industrial strategy.
The panel discussions will address the following key questions:
– What is the European strategy for tackling these challenges and re-industrialising?
– Could Europe become a driving industrial force again?
– What is the current outlook on the Europe-China relationship in the context of the US trade war and geopolitical landscape?
– What are future prospects for the ferroalloys and stainless steel industry in Europe, and how will EU safeguard criticak industrial sector and ensure a reliable chrpme supply?
– Which innovative uses if chromium are set to play a role in the energy transition and technology of the future?
– How sustainability and ESG are reshaping the mining and metals sector and are key to attracting investment?
This event is an unmissable opportunity for those with an interest in chrome markets across the value chain, as well as in critical and strategic raw materials. The event will comprise panel discussions featuring prominent experts, industry CEOs, and leading analysts. It will also include regional outlooks.
In addition, the programme features a technical tour of Acerinox Europa, a leading producer of stainless steel and high-performance alloys.
Schedule
4 November 2025
07:30 - 16:15
Day trip to Acerinox Europa production site (ICDA members exclusive)
19:00 - 21:30
Cocktail reception and welcome dinner
5 November 2025
09:00 - 13:00
Conference (including networking coffee break)
13:00 - 14:30
Networking lunch
14:30 - 16:30
Conference (including networking coffee break)
18:30 - 23:30
Sevilla Fair Gala dinner
6 November 2025
09:00 - 12:30
Conference (including networking coffee break)
12:30 - 14:00
Closing Networking lunch
The conference is open to both ICDA members and non-members.
Register now! Our dedicated team is available at admin-events@icdacr.com to provide assistance.
Early-bird rate is available until 15 July 2025!
View the conference detailed schedule at this link, technical tour programme available at this link.
Reflecting on the Members Meeting 2025 conference
‘The event demonstrated the importance of fostering global efforts to advance the development of the chromium industry with strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, and further underscored the ICDA’s position as a leading voice for chrome in China and on the global stage.’
The ICDA Members Meeting 2025 in Ulanqab provided a valuable insight into the Chinese chrome industry. The event was attended by more than 150 delegates from China and other countries. It received support from the Ulanqab Municipal Government, the Ulanqab Ferroalloy Industry Association, the Stainless Steel Council of the China Iron and Steel Association, and the China Ferroalloy Industry Association. Xing Gang Lian, the world’s largest ferrochrome producer, also provided support and sponsorship. Xing Gang Lian hosted a technical visit to its Fengzhen production site and a magnificent Zhama feast gala dinner.
In his keynote address on China-US relations, Shaun Rein emphasised China’s innovation and strategic supply chain management as key to achieving self-sufficiency. China is a global leader in various industrial sectors, including new technologies, rare earth minerals, alloys, and steel. Professor Shi Wanli emphasised the importance of adopting an innovation-driven, sustainable ‘new development philosophy’ to promote the high-quality development of ferroalloys in China, incorporating energy efficiency and green energy utilisation.
Tina Tong (Fastmarkets) provided an outlook on corporate sustainability reporting in China, predicting that it will align with international standards by 2030. Han Jianbiao (ZLJ Steel) discussed the oversupply of Chinese stainless steel resulting from the global economic downturn, predicting weak domestic demand and strong external demand in 2025. Dr Gerhard Pariser (SMR) mentioned the rapid growth of China and Indonesia in stainless steel production, which has grown in the past two decades to represent 71% of global output.
Xinyue (Claire) Liu (CRU) provided insights into the current state of the stainless steel market, emphasising that China and Indonesia are the main drivers of its growth. Karoline Sun (Wood Mackenzie) also concluded that, while China is driving global stainless steel production growth, the significant penetration of production from China, Indonesia and other Asian nations may put pressure on other markets.
Nadia Vinck (Euroalliages) analysed the structural challenges facing the EU, stating that stable policies, simplified regulations, substantial investment and competitive energy costs are required to achieve re-industrialisation. South Africa’s ferrochromium industry is facing challenges due to rising electricity costs caused by mismanagement at Eskom, poorly maintained infrastructure, and systemic issues. Reforms and investments are needed to revitalise the sector, which the GNU could facilitate. Both Hugo Pienaar (Minerals Council South Africa) and Tanisha Schultz (Project Blue) emphasised that, although chrome ore is a star performer, reforms are essential to further developing the sector and supporting the underperforming ferroalloys sector in South Africa.
“The presentations and presenters were of very high standard.” “ The choice of Ulanqab province was great, this is an industrial hub, a center for benchmarking.”
“Unbelieveable support for all travel arrangements to get there and while at the conference.”
“Organisation from start to finish was at a very high standard. Venue location was ideal. Agenda was well structured.”
“Well organised and well attended.”
“Loved the speeches covered macro economy of several countries.”
“Good presentations and relevant delegates for networking.”
