OK, my point of reference was back when I wanted chroming done. Don't know when that was but the EPA "final ruling" shows 2012.
Maybe better said that: chroming used to be done by a lot by the average hot rodder, restorer. It was affordable until the EPA cracked down on emissions, tanks and disposal. Prices got higher due to that. It has become unaffordable to many folks. Skyrocketed.
I would opt for Chinese/Mexico vendor parts because I'm in the Southwest. No salt, no freeze, no snow, no rain, so no acid rain, no factory pollution. Nothing but lizards live here. But their numbers have skyrocketed.
