- Imported ore prices slip as South32, Jupiter boost production
- Aggressive price undercutting clouds outlook for exports
Silico manganese export prices remained under pressure in the week ended 4 August 2026 as a decline in global manganese ore prices intensified competition among major exporters, encouraging buyers to negotiate lower prices amid abundant competitive offers.
As per BigMint’s assessment, 65-16 grade prices fell by $16/t w-o-w to $891/t FOB, while the 60-14 grade was down by $3/t to $810/t FOB Haldia/Vizag.
Key smelters in Vizag informed BigMint that aggressive undercutting by some exporters has triggered panic selling, with lower offers disrupting overall market sentiment. Market participants indicated that if this trend persists, export prices of 65-grade silico manganese could fall further, as sellers continue to compete on price despite weak demand.
Market overview
Ample global manganese ore supply weighs on imported prices: India’s imported manganese ore prices remained under pressure as weak procurement by domestic smelters coincided with ample global supply. Australian 46% ore fell by $0.04/dmtu to $5.24/dmtu, Gabonese 44% ore declined by $0.09/dmtu to $5.00/dmtu, and South African 37% ore eased by $0.07/dmtu to $4.43/dmtu, all CNF Haldia/Vizag.
The downside was reinforced by rising global ore availability. South32’s FY’26 manganese ore production increased to 5.116 mnt, driven by a strong recovery in Australian output, while Jupiter Mines’ Q4FY’26 production rose 14% q-o-q to 0.966 mnt. The higher output from major miners is expected to keep the seaborne market well supplied, limiting any near-term recovery in manganese ore prices.
Eramet trims September manganese ore prices as seaborne supply remains ample: Eramet Comilog cut its September 2026 offer prices by $0.20/dmtu m-o-m, reducing Mn44.5% lumps to $4.90/dmtu CIF China and Mn43% chips to $4.70/dmtu. The reduction reflects weak buying interest from Chinese alloy producers, who continue to procure on a need-based basis amid subdued downstream demand and ample seaborne ore availability, intensifying competitive pressure among suppliers.
Outlook
Silico manganese export prices are likely to remain under mild pressure in the near term and may decline by another $5-7/t FOB, as softer raw material costs, competitive export offers, and cautious buyer sentiment continue to suppress pricing power.
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