- Higher output in Yunnan, Inner Mongolia offset production cuts elsewhere
- Manganese ore prices remain stable, offering cost support
Chinese silico manganese prices remained stable w-o-w, with the Mn 65%, Si 17% grade at RMB 5,570-5,830/t ($822-860/t) exw and Mn 60%, Si 14% prices at RMB 5,310-5,430/t ($784-801/t) in the week ended 13 July 2026.
The silico manganese market in China held steady as production cuts were offset by increased output in Yunnan and Inner Mongolia. Cautious steel mill buying and lower inquiry prices kept sentiment subdued, while cost support from manganese ore limited downside.
Market updates
Stable ore prices underpin costs: On the cost side, domestic manganese ore prices traded within a narrow range, with spot activity staying subdued despite a slight recovery in ferro silicon futures. Australian ore prices stayed firm, supported by concentrated ownership and inverted import prices. In contrast, abundant South African ore inventories continued to weigh on prices. Port deliveries at Qinzhou recovered after weather-related disruptions earlier in the week. Overall, resilient import costs and cautious buying kept the market range-bound.
Cautious procurement keeps demand weak: Downstream demand for silico manganese remained subdued as major Chinese steel mills maintained cautious procurement in July, with purchase volumes largely unchanged from June. However, lower inquiry prices reflected weak buying sentiment and continued pressure on alloy producers’ margins. Expectations of lower pig iron production further capped demand, keeping silico manganese prices under pressure.
Outlook
The silico manganese market is expected to remain largely stable, as cost support from manganese ore is likely to weaken gradually, while uncertain steel mill tenders and need-based procurement are expected to keep demand subdued. Prices are likely to stay stable unless major steel mill buying or raw material prices shift significantly.
With inputs from CBC
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