- Imported manganese ore prices slide as buying slows
- Higher landed costs prompt buyers to delay purchases
Imported manganese ore prices continued to decline in the week ended 5 September 2026, as elevated landed costs, currency considerations and cautious procurement weighed on buying interest. With consumers reluctant to commit to higher-priced cargoes amid uncertain freight economics, spot transactions remained limited. The softer trend also reflected subdued downstream demand and continued pressure on overseas manganese ore quotations.
- Australian high-grade manganese ore (Mn 46%) prices edged down by $0.02/dmtu w-o-w to $5.10/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
- Gabonese high-grade manganese ore (Mn 44%) prices declined by $0.14/dmtu w-o-w to $4.68/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
- South African manganese lumps (Mn 37%) prices remained stable w-o-w at $4.22/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
Market overview
Elevated landed costs and currency pressure curb buying
Imported manganese ore remained expensive on a landed basis after accounting for freight, insurance and port charges, with cargoes around $12-15/t more expensive on a landed basis. Elevated USD/INR levels further increased uncertainty around replacement costs for Indian buyers. With domestic alloy prices offering limited scope to fully absorb higher input costs, producers remained reluctant to commit to fresh cargoes. This encouraged buyers to defer purchases, negotiate for lower offers and wait for more favourable pricing before replenishing inventories, thereby keeping import demand subdued during the week.
Cautious procurement and freight uncertainty weigh on demand
Indian buyers continued to adopt a largely need-based procurement strategy amid subdued downstream demand and limited urgency for inventory restocking. Uncertainty around freight and shipping costs further discouraged forward purchases, as fluctuations could materially affect the eventual landed cost of imported ore. Consequently, buyers preferred shorter procurement cycles and remained selective in the spot market. This reduced transaction activity and liquidity, while giving consumers greater negotiating leverage and keeping imported manganese ore prices under pressure.
Manganese alloys strengthen on improved producer offers
Manganese alloy prices moved higher during the week, supported by improved buying interest, tighter spot availability and stronger producer offers. Silico manganese prices increased by INR 575/t w-o-w to INR 74,500-75,400/t ($788-798/t) across key regions, while 65-16 export offers rose by $20/t to $906/t FOB Vizag/Haldia.
Meanwhile, ferro manganese prices advanced by around INR 1,000/t to INR 80,000/t ($847/t) ex-works Durgapur and Raipur. The gains were also supported by producers’ efforts to protect margins through grade-mix adjustments, while MOIL’s unchanged September manganese ore prices provided some stability to raw-material costs.
Imported manganese ore arrivals in India up w-o-w:Weekly manganese ore cargo arrivals (Mn37%, Mn44%, and Mn46%) to India increased by 76% to 135,304 t over 16-22 August 2026 against 76,702 t in the previous week.
Outlook
Imported manganese ore prices are likely to remain under pressure in the near term as buyers continue to defer purchases. However, any improvement in alloy demand, restocking or overseas ore prices could limit further downside.
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