- Mn Alloys market sees divergent movement amid steel output slowdown
- Weekly cargo arrivals increases at Indian port
Imported manganese ore prices into India rose in the week ended 5 December for high-grade material, while the Mn 37% grade continued to remain unchanged week-on-week. The modest improvement in high-grade prices encouraged smelters to engage in strategic buying to secure raw material amid market uncertainty. At the same time, limited availability of imported ore at portside locations added further support to prices, reinforcing a firmer sentiment in the spot market.
- Australian high-grade ore (46% Mn): Prices increased slightly by $0.01/dmtu w-o-w to $5.01/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
- Gabonese high-grade ore (44% Mn): Prices rose by $0.02/dmtu w-o-w to $4.68/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
- South African lumps (37% Mn): Prices remained largely stable w-o-w at $4.25/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
Market review
Indian SiMn prices ease w-o-w: Indian manganese alloys reported mixed week-on-week trends as market sentiment remained cautious amid moderated steel production and reduced procurement from mills. Silico manganese (60-14) prices declined by around INR 600/t ($7/t) w-o-w, settling at INR 69,100–70,000/t ($768–778/t) across Durgapur, Raipur, and Vizag. According to industry participants, steel mills have curtailed their purchases ahead of year-end schedules, leading to softer demand in the spot market. Meanwhile, MOIL Ltd. announced a 3% increase in manganese ore prices for December 2025, effective from 1 December. The revision covers all ferro-grade ores—both above and below 44% Mn content—as well as the SMGR range, including Mn30% and Mn25% categories, which may exert upward pressure on alloy production costs. In the ferro manganese segment, prices showcased a steady-to-marginally weak movement.
High-carbon (HC 70%) FeMn prices remained unchanged w-o-w at INR 72,000/t ($800/t) exw-Durgapur, while the Raipur market recorded a slight decline of INR 400/t ($6/t), also settling at INR 72,000/t ($800/t). Buyers continued to resist higher offers amid muted consumption. Export prices of HC 75% ferro manganese also slipped marginally by $1/t w-o-w to $892/t FOB Vizag/Haldia, reflecting the persistent cautious sentiment across both domestic and export markets.
Imported cargo arrivals rise w-o-w: Weekly manganese ore cargo arrivals (Mn37%, Mn44%, and Mn46%) to India increased by 6% to 144,412 t over 19 November- 25 November against 136,004 t in the previous week.
Outlook
Imported manganese ore prices in India are expected to maintain a slightly firm to stable trend in the near term, supported by a combination of supply-side tightness and selective buying from alloy producers.
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