Chinese manganese ore imports increase by 27% in May’21

As per customs data, imports of manganese ore into China increased by 27% m-o-m to 28.54 mn t in May’21. Imports increased 25.2% y-o-y for the Jan-May’21 period. Increased prices along with firm demand for silicomanganese resulting from a hike in steel production have triggered imports of manganese ore. As per World Steel Association data, China produced 99.5 mn t of crude steel in May’21 up by 7% m-o-m.