- Logistics disruptions, tight cargo availability push imported ore prices up
- Weekly cargo arrivals fall on Indian port
India’s imported manganese ore prices increased w-o-w amid rising concerns over supply constraints. Indian smelters have stepped up buying interest due to persistent supply tightness and growing shortages of containers linked to geopolitical tensions. Additionally, higher price offers from key miners have further encouraged procurement activity, as smelters anticipate continued pressure on supply and costs in the near term.
- Australian high-grade ore (Mn 46%) rose $0.23/dmtu w-o-w to $5.86/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag, reaching over a one-year high. The same price level was last observed on 15 March 2025.
- Gabonese high-grade ore (Mn 44%) increased $0.22/dmtu w-o-w to $5.48/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag, also reaching over a one-year high, with similar levels last seen on 15 March 2025.
- South African lumps (Mn 37%) gained $0.20/dmtu w-o-w to $4.89/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag, marking over a one-and-a-half-year high, with the same level last recorded on 20 July 2024.
Market Overview
Shipping constraints and firm miner offers lift imported ore prices: Supply shortages at key exporting ports such as Port Elizabeth and Owendo Port have supported the recent rise in India’s imported manganese ore prices. Market participants noted that cargo availability at these ports remains tight, while buying inquiries from major consumers, particularly China and India, have increased in recent weeks.
Sources informed BigMint that container availability has also tightened due to escalating geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Israel, which has disrupted shipping schedules and logistics in certain trade routes. As a result, shipment delays and limited vessel space have constrained near-term supply. With miners maintaining firm offers and port inventories remaining relatively low, the combination of logistical bottlenecks and steady demand has provided upward support to imported manganese ore prices in the Indian market.
Manganese alloys market firms on higher ore costs: Indian manganese alloys prices inched up w-o-w, supported by higher overseas raw material costs and firm offers from producers. Silico manganese (60-14) prices increased by INR 400/t ($4/t) w-o-w to INR 72,700–73,800/t ($791–803/t) across Durgapur, Raipur, Vizag, and Raigarh. Sellers showed limited willingness to negotiate as domestic manganese ore prices from MOIL Limited rose slightly, increasing smelter production costs.
However, export prices for silico manganese (HC 65-16) edged down by $1/t to $915/t FOB Vizag/Haldia. Meanwhile, ferro manganese (70%) prices remained largely stable, with a slight rise of INR 200/t w-o-w to INR 74,200/t ($809/t) in Raipur and INR 100/t ($1/t) to INR 73,800/t ($804/t) in Durgapur. Producers largely resisted lower bids amid steady demand and balanced market conditions. Export prices for 75 grade silico manganese, however, edged up by $3/t w-o-w to $909/t FOB Vizag/Haldia.
Imported manganese ore cargo arrivals fall w-o-w: Weekly manganese ore cargo arrivals (Mn37%, Mn44%, and Mn46%) to India decreased by 15% to 204,871 t over 19-25 February 2026 against 242,313 t in the previous week.
Outlook
Imported manganese ore prices are expected to remain firm in the near term, supported by tight supply at key exporting ports and steady demand from India and China. However, price gains may remain limited if alloy demand weakens, while improved cargo availability or easing logistics disruptions could cap further upside.
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