- Export uptrend intact as rising input costs underpin market
- Prices hold strong, but high offers face resistance risk
Export prices of silico manganese have witnessed a sharp increase, driven by rising raw material costs and higher ocean freight rates, which have significantly elevated landed costs. This has directly impacted production expenses, prompting smelters to keep offers on the higher side to offset margin pressures. Additionally, increased power tariffs in key producing regions have further contributed to the upward pressure on export prices.
As per BigMint’s assessment on 1 April 2026, Indian silico manganese export prices increased w-o-w across key grades. The 65-16 grade was assessed at $950/t FOB, up by $23/t from $927/t on 24 March, marking a high of around 1.7 years. Meanwhile, the 60-14 grade rose by $22/t w-o-w to $855/t FOB, reaching an 8-month high, with similar levels last observed on 14 August 2025.
Market overview
Export silico manganese prices gain as freight doubles, ore shortage bites: Export prices of silico manganese remained firm, supported by strong seller offers amid a sharp rise in imported manganese ore prices. The surge in ocean freight—nearly doubling in recent weeks—has significantly increased landed costs, while an ongoing ore supply crunch at key Indian ports has further tightened availability. These factors have collectively pushed up production costs, thereby influencing higher export offers. A Raipur-based smelter informed BigMint that landed prices of imported 44% manganese ore have risen to around $250/t CNF India, marking a 10% increase m-o-m.
Imported ore prices spike w-o-w amid shipment delays, severe portside crunch: India’s imported manganese ore prices extended gains in the week ending 28 March 2026, supported by firm inquiries and tightening portside availability from key exporters. Supply constraints intensified as global miners continued to prioritise bulk shipments to China, limiting cargo flow to India. Concurrent logistical disruptions and shipment delays—amid escalating geopolitical tensions impacting major shipping routes—further squeezed supply, keeping market sentiment bullish. Prices moved up w-o-w, with Australian Mn 46% at $6.14/dmtu, Gabonese Mn 44% at $5.74/dmtu, and South African Mn 37% at $5.31/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag. Delays at key export hubs such as Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Libreville, along with strong Chinese buying, have tightened inflows into Indian ports, sustaining upward pressure on the market.
China silico manganese prices strengthen w-o-w on tight availability, strong cost backing: Chinese silico manganese prices (Mn 65%, Si 17%) rose by RMB 150/t w-o-w to RMB 6,030-6,350/t ex-works on 27 March 2026, supported by higher raw material costs and firm futures. Elevated ore prices, rising freight and energy costs, and tight availability kept sentiment bullish, while cautious steel demand and ongoing buyer-seller standoff sustained prices at higher levels.
Outlook
India’s silico manganese export prices are expected to remain robust in the near term, largely supported by elevated manganese ore costs that continue to exert upward pressure on offers. However, the sustainability of these high price levels will depend on buyers’ acceptance at current rates, as resistance could emerge at elevated levels. Additionally, the demand-supply dynamics in the export market will play a crucial role in determining the price trajectory going forward.
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