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Ferroniobium (FeNb 65% Standard & Vacuum Grade)

Standard 65% Nb and vacuum-grade FeNb for HSLA line-pipe steels, automotive sheet and aerospace superalloys

Ferroniobium under HS 7202.93 is the master alloy that micro-alloys high-strength steel. It is bought on contained niobium—the benchmark is 65.0% to 70.0% Nb—and on its deleterious residuals: silicon (≤ 3.0%), aluminium (≤ 1.5% to 2.0%), carbon (≤ 0.15% to 0.20%), phosphorus (≤ 0.20%), sulphur (≤ 0.10%), and tantalum (≤ 0.50% standard, ≤ 0.10% vacuum grade). Adding just 0.03% to 0.05% niobium to molten carbon steel doubles its yield strength through micro-structural grain refinement and carbonitride precipitate hardening. This grain-refining potency makes FeNb indispensable for high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) automotive sheet, seismic structural beams, offshore wind tower monopiles, and API 5L X70/X80 oil and gas line pipe, where it provides high strength with superior low-temperature impact toughness and weldability without requiring costly post-weld heat treatment. For nickel-based superalloys (such as Inconel 718 containing ~5% Nb for aircraft jet turbine discs), melt shops consume low-tantalum, low-gas vacuum-grade ferroniobium.

The global supply architecture is exceptionally concentrated: Brazil accounts for approximately 80% to 85% of total world production, anchored by Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM) operating the world's premier pyrochlore deposit in Araxá, Minas Gerais (dispatched via the Port of Santos), alongside CMOC Brasil's Catalão mine. Canada provides the primary non-Brazilian supply line via Magris Performance Materials' Niobec underground mine in Saint-Honoré, Quebec, shipped through the Port of Saguenay and Port of Montreal. UN Comtrade export declarations under HS 7202.93 reflect over USD 2.2 billion in annual trade, with Brazil exporting over 75,000 MT primarily to China, the European Union, the United States, Japan, and South Korea. CBIL is a commodity brokerage company and brokers standard metallurgical and vacuum-grade ferroniobium from Brazilian and Canadian producer and trading house allocations directly to integrated blast furnace/BOF and EAF steelmakers, pipe mills, and superalloy forgers. Parcels move in 250 kg steel drums strapped on pallets or 1,000 kg heavy-duty woven FIBC bags in 20-ft ocean containers (20 to 24 MT/box) on FOB, CFR, and CIF terms. Offers stand against certified manufacturer certificates of analysis per lot or independent SGS/Alfred H Knight verification of Nb, Ta, Si, Al, C, P, S, and 10–50 mm sizing. Fastmarkets publishes weekly reference assessments for ferroniobium 65% Nb in-whs dp Rotterdam and US, which settle term formulas. Send the required niobium grade, tantalum ceiling, sizing, and discharge port to work the parcel against current terminal positions.

Need the ship as well? Our chartering desk prices South Africa to China mineral freight on LaycanDesk.

Excluded origins are not offered, including product re-exported, blended or re-processed through a third country. Every lot moves with a certificate of origin naming the producing plant, mine or grower country, and nothing is quoted before the seller and loading point are known.

Indicative reference

$45–55 / kg Nb USD / kg Nb

as at September 2026

IncotermsFOB · CFR · CIF
OriginsBrazil (CBMM Araxá via Port of Santos), Canada (Niobec via Port of Montreal / Saguenay)
Packaging250 kg steel drums on heat-treated pallets or 1,000 kg FIBC big bags in 20ft ocean containers (20–24 MT/box)
HS Code7202.93

Reference level only — not an offer, and reviewed quarterly. Levels shown are as at September 2026. Firm pricing is quoted per RFQ, subject to volume, terms and inspection.

Brazil (CBMM Araxá via Port of Santos) · Canada (Niobec via Port of Montreal / Saguenay)

Typical Specification

Niobium (Nb)65.0–70.0% contained
Tantalum (Ta)≤ 0.50% standard / ≤ 0.10% vacuum grade
Silicon (Si)≤ 3.0% standard / ≤ 1.5% low-Si
Aluminium (Al)≤ 1.5% standard / ≤ 1.0% low-Al
Carbon / Phosphorus / SulphurC ≤ 0.15%, P ≤ 0.20%, S ≤ 0.10%
Sizing10–50 mm (90% min); custom crushed on request
Price ReferenceFastmarkets FeNb 65% Nb in-whs dp Rotterdam / US

Specifications are indicative and adjusted to the agreed contract and destination requirements. Final spec confirmed on COA / SGS.

Available Grades

Standard Metallurgical Ferroniobium (65–70% Nb, Ta ≤ 0.50%)Low-Silicon FeNb (Si ≤ 1.5%, Al ≤ 1.0%)Vacuum-Grade Aerospace FeNb (Ta ≤ 0.10%, Si ≤ 0.20%)Niobium Metal & Nickel-Niobium Master Alloy (NiNb)

Applications

  • HSLA structural steel & automotive lightweighting
  • API 5L X70 & X80 oil and gas line pipe
  • Offshore wind turbine jackets & monopiles
  • Inconel 718 aerospace jet engine discs (vacuum grade)
  • Stainless steel stabilization (intergranular corrosion resistance)

Category

Metals & Recycled Scrap

Incoterms

FOB · CFR · CIF

Pricing basis

USD / kg Nb

Inspection

SGS / Intertek at load port

Ferroniobium (FeNb 65% Standard & Vacuum Grade) — buyer questions

What makes ferroniobium essential for HSLA and pipeline steel?

Adding just 0.03% to 0.05% Niobium doubles the yield strength of structural steel through grain refinement and carbonitride precipitation. It allows steelmakers to achieve API X70 and X80 line-pipe specifications with superior weldability and low-temperature impact toughness without expensive post-weld heat treatment.

What separates standard grade ferroniobium from vacuum grade?

Tantalum, silicon, and dissolved gases. Standard metallurgical FeNb permits up to 0.50% Tantalum and 3.0% Silicon for carbon steelmaking. Vacuum grade requires Ta ≤ 0.10%, Si ≤ 0.20%, and low gas content (O, N, H) for melting nickel-based superalloys like Inconel 718 used in aerospace jet engine discs.

Why is global ferroniobium supply so concentrated?

Brazil's CBMM in Araxá controls roughly 75% to 80% of global production due to the unique grade and scale of its weathered pyrochlore deposit. Canada's Niobec mine provides the primary independent alternative outside South America, making ferroniobium an inelastic, highly concentrated supply chain.

How is ferroniobium priced and traded?

Unlike bulk ferroalloys sold per metric tonne of gross weight, ferroniobium is priced per kilogram of contained niobium (USD / kg Nb). Fastmarkets publishes weekly spot assessments for 65% Nb in-whs dp Rotterdam and US, which anchor term and spot contract formulas.

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