- Rising freight and route diversions delay imported manganese ore arrivals
- Weekly cargo arrivals at Indian port fall
Indian imported manganese ore prices witnessed slight fluctuations this week amid market uncertainty triggered by rising geopolitical tensions. Several shipments have been delayed due to vessel allocation issues, as many vessels remain anchored and have not departed from ports amid the ongoing conflict situation.
As a result, price trends remained mixed. South African ore prices recorded a marginal increase, while Gabonese and Australian grades largely remained stable, with a slight downward correction.
- Australian high-grade ore (Mn 46%) remained stable with slight fall of $0.01/dmtu w-o-w to $5.85/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
- Gabonese high-grade ore (Mn 44%) slight fall $0.01/dmtu w-o-w to $5.47/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
- South African lumps (Mn 37%) gained $0.04/dmtu w-o-w to $4.93/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
Market Overview
Shipping turmoil clouds manganese ore supply chain: Rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted key maritime routes, forcing some exporters to delay shipments and pushing up freight costs. Some cargoes have been temporarily paused or rerouted, with vessels taking longer routes such as around the Cape of Good Hope, leading to extended transit times and tighter vessel availability.
Freight markets have also turned volatile amid war-related uncertainty and higher bunker fuel prices, affecting the availability of dry bulk carriers. As a result, shipment allocations have been impacted and manganese ore cargoes to destination ports are getting delayed. Meanwhile, smelters are facing challenges due to nearly 50% higher ocean freight rates along with slower raw material arrivals.
Manganese alloy prices edge up w-o-w on higher ore costs: Indian manganese alloy prices inched up w-o-w. Silico manganese (60-14) prices increased slightly by INR 325/t ($4/t) w-o-w to INR 73,000–74,300/t ($788–802/t) across Durgapur, Raipur, Vizag, and Raigarh, supported by higher overseas raw material prices. Smelters raised offers as rising imported and domestic manganese ore prices pushed up production costs, while firmer steel prices lent support to the domestic silico manganese market despite cautious export demand.
Meanwhile, ferro manganese (70%) prices remained largely stable. Prices stayed unchanged w-o-w at INR 74,200/t ($801/t) in Raipur, while in Durgapur they edged up slightly by INR 300/t ($3/t) to INR 74,100/t ($800/t). The stability in ferro manganese prices reflected balanced demand from alloy buyers and adequate domestic supply, preventing significant price movement during the week.
Imported manganese ore cargo arrivals fall w-o-w: Weekly manganese ore cargo arrivals (Mn37%, Mn44%, and Mn46%) to India decreased by 4% to 196,488 t over 26 February-04 March 2026 against 204,871 t in the previous week.
Outlook
Imported manganese ore prices in India may remain volatile in the near term amid ongoing geopolitical tensions disrupting shipping routes and tightening vessel availability. Delays in cargo arrivals and elevated ocean freight rates could keep supply tight at ports. However, cautious alloy demand may limit sharp price increases, keeping the market largely range-bound.
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