India: Imported manganese ore prices dip w-o-w as global miners adjust offers

• South32 and UMK trim manganese ore offers for May’25
• Manganese ore cargo arrivals in India fall by 50% w-o-w

Imported manganese ore prices have witnessed a decline this week, reaching a two-month low as a result of falling export inquiries and a sluggish domestic downstream alloys market, which has put downward pressure on ore prices.

• Australian high-grade ore: Australian high-grade (Mn 46% Mn) ore prices decreased by $0.25/dry metric tonne unit (dmtu) w-o-w to $5.48/dmtu due to limited demand for high-grade manganese alloys.
• Gabonese high-grade ore: Prices of Gabonese high-grade (Mn 44%) ore edged down by $0.23/dmtu w-o-w, reaching $4.91/dmtu.
• South African lumps: South African lumps (Mn 37%) saw a slight decrease of $0.13/dmtu w-o-w, settling at $4.07/dmtu.

Factors weighing on imported ore tags

Global miners reduce prices for May: South32, a leading global miner, has announced a price reduction for 37% grade South African semi-carbonate manganese ore lumps for May shipments, decreasing by $0.60/dmtu m-o-m to $4.05/dmtu CIF China. Meanwhile, United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK), another prominent global manganese ore producer based in South Africa, has set its offer price for 36% grade semi-carbonate lumps at $4/dmtu CIF China for May delivery, down by $0.50/dmtu compared to the previous month.

Manganese alloys prices down w-o-w: Indian silico manganese prices dropped by INR 350/t ($4/t) w-o-w to INR 71,500-72,500/t ($830-842/t) in key regions such as Durgapur, Raipur, and Vizag. Prices fell slightly as buyers resisted higher quotes, opting for more competitive offers. Ferro manganese (HC 70%) prices also decreased w-o-w to INR 75,000/t ($877/t) exw in Durgapur, down by INR 680/t ($8/t). In Raipur, prices declined by INR 640/t ($7/t) to INR 75,000/t ($877/t), attributed to need-based buying and limited inquiries.

Weekly manganese ore arrivals decreases w-o-w: Manganese ore imports to India decreased by 50% w-o-w, with total shipments reaching 92,350 t from 2-8 April. This rise in arrivals may help alleviate some supply pressures in the market.