India: Silico manganese export prices ease w-o-w as higher freight weighs on market sentiment

• 65-16 grade prices inch down by $4/t w-o-w
• Export headwinds persist for prices amid rising freights 

Indian silico manganese export prices edged slightly lower in the week ended 6 July 2026, as rising ocean freight costs, carrier surcharges, and container shortages continued to weigh on export sentiment. Market participants attributed the higher logistics costs to peak-season demand, tighter vessel capacity, and increased bunker fuel surcharges, which have raised all-in shipping expenses. The elevated freight burden has put additional pressure on exporters’ margins, prompting some suppliers to adopt a cautious pricing strategy amid limited overseas inquiries.

As per BigMint assessment, 65-16 grade prices inched down by $4/t w-o-w to $921/t FOB, while 60-14 grade fell by $4/t  to $831/t FOB Haldia/Vizag.

Market overview

Elevated freight, bunker surcharges weigh on exports: Ocean freight for Indian manganese alloy exports remained on an upward trajectory in July 2026, particularly on shipments to Europe and the US, as carriers continued to implement General Rate Increases (GRIs), Peak Season Surcharges (PSS), and fuel-related surcharges amid tight vessel availability, port congestion, and elevated bunker costs. While no manganese alloy-specific freight hike was announced during the past week, exporters are incurring higher all-in logistics costs, with freight rising. The increase is weighing on already thin export margins, forcing many exporters to either absorb the additional freight cost or lower FOB offers to remain competitive against suppliers from South Africa and Malaysia.

Europe port congestion pressures exports: Market participants informed BigMint that blank sailings on India-Europe routes and the redeployment of vessels to the more lucrative Trans-Pacific trade have tightened container availability and pushed up freight costs. They added that extreme heat in Europe has slowed port operations due to equipment overheating and additional safety breaks for dockworkers, delaying vessel handling and fresh cargo bookings. Consequently, buyers have adopted a cautious approach, resulting in slower inquiries for Indian silico manganese exports.

Outlook

Indian silico manganese export prices are expected to remain under mild pressure in the near term amid subdued overseas inquiries, elevated ocean freights, and logistical disruptions in Europe. However, firm production costs and limited exporter willingness to offer deeper discounts are likely to cushion any sharp decline.