- EU safeguard quotas delay bulk orders for Indian material
- Chinese prices dip w-o-w amid cautious steel sector demand
India’s silico manganese export prices inched down w-o-w, amid a persistent lull in bulk inquiries from overseas buyers. Market participants remained cautious, as pre-Christmas bookings were delayed, largely due to the EU’s safeguard quotas.
According to BigMint’s latest assessment on 1 December 2025, India’s silico manganese export prices declined slightly w-o-w by an average of $4/tonne (t). The 65-16 grade fell by $2/t w-o-w to $917/t FOB compared with $919/t FOB on 25 November, while the 60-14 grade prices eased by $6/t to $817/t FOB.
Market overview
Limited overseas demand restrains export price growth: The absence of bulk inquiries added pressure to an already cautious market. The usual pre-Christmas booking cycle, which typically supports export volumes at this time of year, has been notably delayed, as EU safeguard quotas continued to restrict buying activity. These quota limitations slowed fresh procurement and are expected to reduce India’s silico manganese export volumes in CY’25 by nearly 20,000 t.
Participants informed BigMint that there is heightened uncertainty among exporters, many of whom are operating with tighter margins as they await clarity on quota allocations and potential demand revival. While domestic demand remains relatively stable, the persistent export slowdown has capped any significant upside in prices, keeping overall market sentiment subdued for the week.
Chinese prices dip w-o-w amid cautious demand: In the week ending 28 November, silico manganese prices (Mn 65%, Si 17%) in China inched down w-o-w amid cautious downstream buying. Prices averaged RMB 5,595/t ex-works, including taxes, down slightly by RMB 10/t from the previous week.
Mixed demand from the steel sector and thin margins at alloy plants limited significant price movement. Buyers continued purchasing silico manganese primarily to meet immediate needs. Meanwhile, major manganese ore mines in Guangxi and Guizhou remained largely unaffected by environmental inspections, while small and medium miners reduced output due to rising costs.
Although growing demand for high-purity manganese from the new energy sector provided some support, its short-term impact on overall supply remained limited. Consequently, Indian prices dipped, tracking the slight downtrend in Chinese pricing.
Outlook
Indian silico manganese export prices may face mild downward pressure due to limited demand from EU regions and other overseas markets. The conclusion of upcoming bulk deals will be key in determining the near-term price direction.
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