- Mn ore inquiries rise slightly, supporting prices
- Cargo arrivals at Indian ports fall by 30% w-o-w
This week, imported manganese ore prices in India edged up w-o-w due to a rise in inquiries despite limited movement in manganese alloys.
- Australian high-grade ore (46% Mn): Prices were up by a slight $0.01/dry metric tonne unit (dmtu) at $4.68/dmtu.
- Gabonese high-grade ore (44% Mn): Prices edged up by $0.01/dmtu to $4.37/dmtu.
- South African lumps (37% Mn): Prices saw a slight rise of $0.2/dmtu to $3.95/dmtu.
Market overview
Global Mn ore market sees mixed sentiment: The global manganese ore market experienced a shift in sentiment due to rising cost pressures and a slight uptick in inquiries, though overall, demand was uncertain. Producers increased their offers, while a slight uptick in inquiries for imported ore led to nominal price increases across various grades at ports. This trend helped maintain inventory levels for the near future.
A key manganese ore importer from Durgapur informed BigMint that the recent price hike is likely temporary, driven primarily by a surge in inquiries from India and China. However, the importer expects prices to remain stable or slightly decline in the near term due to unstable demand in the manganese alloys market. Indian exporters are currently facing challenges in securing new orders, largely due to high production costs, which are limiting their competitiveness in global markets.
In contrast, Eramet Comilog has announced a reduction in its July 2025 manganese ore shipment prices by $0.15/dmtu m-o-m. Prices stood at $4.25/dmtu for Mn44.5% and $4.05/dmtu for Mn43%, CIF China. The company attributes this move to weaker alloy demand and rising inventories in major markets.
Indian Mn alloys prices dip amid weak demand: The Indian manganese alloys market saw a slight downtrend this week, particularly in silico manganese (60-14), which declined by INR 450/tonne (t) ($5/t) w-o-w to INR 70,900-71,300/t ($822-827/t) in key hubs such as Durgapur, Raipur, and Vizag. This drop was driven by subdued trade activity and increased selling pressure, which prompted sellers to reduce their offers to stay competitive.
In contrast, export prices of 65-16 grade silico manganese rose by $4/t w-o-w to $917/t FOB Vizag/Haldia, indicating stronger overseas demand.
Meanwhile, ferro manganese (HC 70%) prices showed a marginal increase of INR 200/t ($2/t) w-o-w to INR 72,300/t ($828/t) exw in Durgapur, while Raipur remained stable at INR 72,250/t ($838/t). The slight uptick was attributed to tight supply conditions, which exerted upward pressure on prices despite steady demand.
However, HC 75% ferro manganese prices declined by $12/t w-o-w to $915/t FOB Vizag/Haldia, reflecting some softness in the export segment.
Additionally, BigMint’s steel billet index stood at INR 38,400/t ($445/t) exw-Raipur in June 2025, marking a nine-month low.
Weekly cargo arrivals in India drop 30% w-o-w: Manganese ore imports to India decreased by 30% w-o-w, with shipments totalling 81,000 t between 28 May-3 June 2025 against last week.
Outlook
The slight uptick in imported manganese ore prices in India comes at a time when manganese alloy demand is slowing, particularly from domestic steel mills. Given that limited consumption from steel producers could lead to excess manganese alloys supply in the domestic market, manganese ore miners and importers may need to adjust pricing strategies or restrict supply to align with reduced demand.
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