- Exporters shift focus to Asia amid weak MENA, GCC demand
- Stable imported ore prices support silico manganese prices
India’s silico manganese prices edged up w-o-w on 16 March 2026, supported by rising inquiries from Southeast Asian buyers and a few deals concluded at slightly higher levels. Tight availability and stable prices of manganese ore further supported the upward trend. However, demand from MENA and GCC regions remained subdued, which may cap further price gains in the near term despite improved buying interest elsewhere.
As per BigMint’s assessment on 16 March 2026, Indian silico manganese export prices inched up w-o-w across key grades. The 65-16 grade was assessed at $920/t FOB, up by $4/t from $916/t FOB on 9 March, while the 60-14 grade rose by $2/t w-o-w to $822/t FOB, indicating marginal improvement in export realisations.
Market overview
Manganese ore prices show mixed trends amid geopolitical tensions: Despite tight availability, Indian imported manganese ore prices showed mixed trends amid market uncertainty, driven by rising geopolitical tensions and shipment delays due to vessel allocation issues.
Prices of South African lumps (Mn 37%) increased by $0.04/dmtu w-o-w to $4.93/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag, while Australian high-grade ore (Mn 46%) and Gabonese high-grade ore (Mn 44%) edged down marginally by $0.01/dmtu each to $5.85/dmtu and $5.47/dmtu, respectively.
Stable manganese ore prices provided cost support to silico manganese prices, but the mixed trend capped any sharp rise.
Demand revives amid export deals in Asia: Southeast Asian nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, along with other Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, showed positive buying interest in Indian silico manganese. A few bulk deals for around 1,000-2,000 t of the 65-16 grade were concluded at current prices of $920/t FOB Vizag/Haldia, providing some optimism to smelters.
Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the GCC and MENA regions continued to impact export opportunities, shifting exporters’ focus towards the relatively stable Asian market. “Freights have shot up amid ongoing geopolitical tension, which is impacting manganese alloys export inquiries,” said a trader.
A key producer from Durgapur informed BigMint that the cost of packaging for silico manganese has increased to around INR 500 per jumbo bag from INR 200-300 earlier due to limited availability of material. This rise has led to some supply tightness and added to overall cost pressures, contributing to a slight increase in silico manganese prices for buyers.
China’s silico manganese prices inch down amid cautious buying: Chinese silico manganese (Mn 65%, Si 17%) prices declined slightly by RMB 50/t ($7/t) w-o-w to RMB 5,860-6,160/t ($849-893/t) exw, inclusive of taxes, as of 13 March 2026. Prices held mostly steady as firmer futures, supported by strong manganese ore and electricity costs, offset downward pressure. Improved steel mill inquiries lent some support to sentiment; however, slow procurement and expectations of rising supply kept the market in a cautious balance.
Outlook
Indian silico manganese export prices are likely to remain firm next week, supported by steady demand from Southeast Asia and the Far East, along with ongoing cost pressures from manganese ore. However, subdued demand from GCC and MENA regions and cautious global buying may limit sharp upside, keeping prices in a narrow range.
Leave a Reply