Manganese Ore prices steady as supply continues to diminish. Buyers and sellers wait on the side line for clearer market direction.

International Manganese Ore market seems to be stable with low supply of the material. Chinese stock levels of Manganese Ore are high at ports, which has resulted in oversupply of the South African Semi-Carbonated Ore, especially. Eramet also rolled over Manganese Ore (43%) prices for January, 2014 shipments and is still being  quoted at USD 5.20/DMTU CIF China. Manganese Ore market is expected to be stable till February 2014 before any possible downside movement, and rise in prices is unlikely unless Manganese Alloys prices picks up from the current levels. Chinese demand also plays a dominant role in determining prices of Manganese Ore, however demand from China is expected to be lackluster on the back of huge stocks and year-end holidays.

Production and shipments of South African Manganese Ore is also temporarily stopped as everyone is on Christmas and year-end holidays. Shipments are expected to resume by 15th January, 2014.

Indian Manganese Alloy market is more or less stable since the last few months and expected to remain firm due to limited scope of any price correction from the current levels. Manganese alloy producers are running mills at 60-70% capacity, maintaining the demand-supply balance, and as a result Ferro Alloy producers have been able to maintain prices at current level which is supported by decrease volatility in the currency market.