- Uncertain market outlook leads to cautious trading
- Weekly imported manganese ore cargo arrivals rise
Imported manganese ore prices remained largely stable this week, as the market continued to grapple with an uncertain outlook and muted buying interest. South African ore held flat, while Gabonese Mn 44% and Australian Mn 46% saw a marginal dip of $0.01/dry metric tonne unit (dmtu), reflecting cautious procurement trends. On the other hand, manganese alloys prices witnessed a slight recovery in recent weeks, supported by improved spot demand from steel mills and limited supply in certain regions.
- Australian high-grade ore (46% Mn): Prices dipped by $0.01/dmtu to $4.76/dmtu w-o-w.
- Gabonese high-grade ore (44% Mn): Slight fall of $0.01/dmtu to $4.45/dmtu w-o-w.
- South African lumps (37% Mn): Remained mostly stable, rising marginally by $0.04/dmtu to $4.19/dmtu w-o-w.
Market recap
Manganese alloys prices show mixed trends: Indian manganese alloys displayed a mixed trend w-o-w.
Silico manganese (60-14) prices inched up by INR 450/tonne (t) ($5/t) w-o-w to INR 69,800-70,300/t ($786-792/t) across Durgapur, Raipur, and Vizag, supported by steady demand and tightened supply as heavy rains disrupted transport. Adding further cost pressure, state-owned MOIL raised prices of all ferro grades by 6.4% and SMGR grades (Mn30%, Mn25%) by 5.2% m-o-m, effective 1 October 2025.
On the export front, silico manganese 65-16 prices fell by $2/t w-o-w to $902/t FOB Vizag/Haldia, India.
Meanwhile, ferro manganese (HC 70%) prices stayed largely steady, slipping marginally by INR 200/t ($2/t) to INR 70,400/t ($793/t) exw-Durgapur, while Raipur remained flat at INR 70,300/t ($792/t). Balanced supply, stable demand, and limited spot trades kept ferro manganese prices in check. In contrast, HC 75% ferro manganese export prices saw a minor rise of $1/t, to $886/t FOB Vizag/Haldia.
Domestic manganese alloys prices are likely to stay supported in the near term, driven by supply disruptions from monsoon-related logistics issues and the recent MOIL price hike. However, export prices could remain under pressure unless overseas demand improves, creating a divergence between domestic and international market trends.
A key smelter indicated to BigMint that imported manganese ore prices may rise soon, driven by limited high-grade domestic supplies and growing Chinese demand for overseas ore.
Imported cargo arrivals rise w-o-w: Weekly manganese ore cargo arrivals to India rose exponentially by 484% (Mn37%, Mn44%, and Mn46%) to 167,318 t over 17-23 September against 28,650 t in the previous week. 
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