- Limited supply, cautious production push prices
- UMK raises ore prices, smelters brace for cost surge
Indian silico manganese export prices edged up this week, driven by a tightening supply situation. Many smelters are fully booked through July 2025, limiting immediate availability for exports. Additionally, producers are strategically controlling output volumes as domestic prices have softened slightly in recent days due to market uncertainty. This combination of limited supply and cautious production is supporting firm export prices.
According to BigMint, the 65-16 grade inched up by $8/tonne (t) w-o-w to $938/t FOB, while the 60-14 variant climbed up by $9/t to $860/t FOB since the last assessment on 14 July, reflecting cautious buying in the export market. Export trade volumes recorded by BigMint rose to 2,200 t this week, up from 1,700 t the previous week. This modest increase signals a slight recovery in demand, aligning with firm export prices and tightening supply conditions in the Indian silico manganese market.
Market Overview
Tight supply, export buzz keep prices supported: Export prices remain resilient, supported by short-term export demand and tight supply. Overseas buyers were active last week, rushing to close bulk deals ahead of monsoon disruptions at Indian ports. A key market player informed BigMint that prices are expected to stay robust due to ongoing bulk inquiries. Recent deals from Vizag port of around 700-1000 t at $935–945/t FOB for 65-16 grade have set a benchmark for the export market. Meanwhile, production costs for lower-grade 60-14 material have risen due to the continuous increase in imported manganese ore prices.
UMK raises manganese ore offers: United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) has increased its August offers for 36% grade semi-carbonate manganese ore to $3.90/dmtu CIF China, up $0.05/dmtu m-o-m. This price hike is expected to push up production costs for Indian smelters as well, prompting them to maintain elevated silico manganese prices amid rising imported ore costs.
HBIS July’25 bid boosts export sentiment in india: China’s HBIS Group has released its July 2025 bid for 65-17 grade silico manganese at RMB 5,850/t ($816/t), marking a RMB 200/t ($28/t) increase from June. The price includes all taxes and freight to HBIS facilities. This upward revision has lent support to Indian silico manganese prices, reinforcing market strength amid tight supply and rising production costs.
Outlook
Silico manganese export prices are expected to stay supported in the near term due to tight supply. However, softening domestic alloy prices might limit further price gains.
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