WCI Steel, Inc. has begun implementation of a content-based alloy surcharge.

WCI says the surcharge is the result of continued significant volatility in the price of alloying elements, particularly chrome, nickel, molybdenum, and vanadium.

Customers will be assessed an alloy surcharge based on the percentage of chrome, nickel, molybdenum, and vanadium in the alloy grades they order. The surcharge will vary by grade and, for the month of March, will range from zero to $218 a net ton. Surcharge changes will be announced by the 15th of each month.

The alloy surcharge will be in addition to the raw material and energy surcharge for March, which is currently $110 a net ton.

Warren, Ohio-based WCI Steel is an integrated steelmaker producing more than 185 grades of custom and commodity flat-rolled steels. WCI products are used by steel service centers, convertors, electrical equipment manufacturers and the automotive and construction markets. The company has approximately 1,800 employees.