India: Silico manganese export prices stabilise w-o-w as limited spot supply counters cautious buying

• Bulk export inquiries support prices as freight eases
• Manganese ore prices gain as alloy inquiries improve

Silico manganese prices remained broadly stable in the week ended 17 August 2026 amid limited spot availability, as key producers continued to manage production strategically and focus on fulfilling earlier bookings, thereby limiting surplus availability in the domestic market. Meanwhile, export inquiries improved from Southeast Asian and MENA markets, with buyers showing interest in bulk bookings after a period of subdued overseas demand. A slight uptick in imported manganese ore prices in recent weeks also provided cost support, helping producers hold offers within the prevailing range.

As per BigMint’s assessment, Indian silico manganese export prices showed a largely stable movement with grade-wise variation. Prices of the 65-16 grade declined by $2/t w-o-w to $886/t FOB, while 60-14 grade prices increased by $3/t to $807/t FOB Haldia/Vizag.

Market overview

Rising overseas interest keeps Indian export prices firm: Export inquiries for Indian silico manganese have picked up in recent weeks, with market participants reporting around 15,000-16,000 t of inquiries from MENA and Southeast Asian markets. Improved container availability and easing freight charges have supported trade activity, while bulk booking inquiries are providing additional support to the export market. Buyers’ renewed interest in Indian material has helped sellers maintain offers, with the improved demand momentum likely to lend further upside to prices in the near term. India has established a significant export presence across both Asian and MENA markets, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Australian, Gabonese ore prices rise on improving market sentiment: India’s imported manganese ore prices showed signs of recovery this week after an extended period of decline. Limited availability of containers at exporting ports provided slight supply-side support, while improving inquiries from manganese alloy producers further strengthened buying interest. The combination of tighter shipment availability and recovering alloy demand has helped imported ore prices find a floor and edge higher.

• Australian high-grade ore (Mn 46%) increased by $0.08/dmtu w-o-w to $5.28/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
• Gabonese high-grade ore (Mn 44%) rose by $0.10/dmtu w-o-w to $5.00/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
• South African lumps (Mn 37%) remained unchanged at $4.28/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.

The modest gains in Australian and Gabonese ore indicate that the recent downward trend may be losing momentum, although the overall market remains sensitive to alloy margins, import demand, and seaborne supply availability. BigMint’s current market data continues to track grade-wise imported manganese ore prices into India.

Outlook

SiMn export prices are expected to remain stable-to-firm, with a mild upside bias. Improving MENA and Southeast Asian inquiries, tighter spot availability and firmer imported ore costs should limit downside, while easing freight/container constraints may improve export realisations. A modest $5-10/t upside is possible in the coming assessment week if bulk inquiries convert into bookings, although cautious overseas buying could cap gains.