India: Silico manganese export prices gain w-o-w as demand improves

• Exporters struggle to fulfil orders amid material shortages
• SiMn prices to stay resilient despite Eramet cutting ore tags

Indian silico manganese export prices trended up w-o-w, supported by robust sentiment and increasing export inquiries. The limited availability of export-grade material further tightened the supply-demand balance, reinforcing the price rise.

According to BigMint, the 65-16 grade rose by $6/tonne (t) w-o-w to $931/t FOB, while the 60-14 variant climbed up by $8/t to $847/t FOB since the last assessment on 1 July, reflecting bullishness in the export market. Additionally, total export volumes showed a slight improvement, reaching 600 t this week compared to 500 t in the previous one.

Market review

Exporters face order fulfilment challenges: Indian manganese alloy exporters grappled with order fulfilment issues due to limited material availability, as domestic smelters remained booked through July.

Additionally, in Vizag, a key export hub, several major producers temporarily shut down furnaces in response to soaring electricity tariffs in Andhra Pradesh, which have eroded profit margins. These shutdowns further tightened supply, leaving exporters struggling to meet commitments and adding upward pressure on prices.

South African manganese ore lumps prices hit two-month high: Imported manganese ore prices showed varied movements across origins this week.

South African lumps (37% Mn) rose by $0.03/dmtu w-o-w to $4.01/dmtu, a two-month high, due to regional production cuts. The uptick in South African ore provided slight support to overall silico manganese prices.

In contrast, Australian (46% Mn) and Gabonese (44% Mn) high-grade ores dipped by $0.05/dmtu w-o-w to $4.60 and $4.30/dmtu, respectively.

Outlook

Silico manganese export prices are expected to remain firm in the near term, supported by rising export inquiries and tightening supply conditions.

Despite mixed trends in imported manganese ore prices, demand for Indian material continues to show strength and will support upward momentum in export tags. However, any further decline in global ore prices, such as the recent cut by Eramet Comilog, could introduce downside risks, especially if oversupply pressures intensify.

Eramet Comilog, a major manganese ore exporter from Gabon, reduced its August 2025 shipment prices by $0.05/dmtu m-o-m, setting Mn44.5% lumps at $4.2/dmtu and Mn43% at $4/dmtu CIF China.