NEW YORK — High-carbon ferrochrome prices have risen slightly on a marginal increase in demand, although traders said that low-carbon ferrochrome transactions were still being done at relatively small volumes.

High-carbon ferrochrome has moved up to a range of $1.01 to $1.05 per pound from $1 to $1.04 previously, while 0.15-percent-carbon material has increased to $2 to $2.05 per pound from $1.98 to $2.03.

One trader who reported transactions at higher numbers said that he believed inventory tightness was a factor in the price rise. "I don’t think many people have chrome," he said. "The underlying feeling is that overall chrome pricing will strengthen; it’s just a matter of time."

However, many traders said the ferrochrome spot market continued to be relatively quiet, with major consumers’ requirements satisfied by contract business.

"It’s small spot stuff: a truck here, a truck there," a second trader said. "Everyone’s mostly been covered for the first quarter. There’s no one with really significant needs."

"The long-term contracts were well thought-out," a third trader said.