- Silico manganese prices find support as mills resume inquiries
- Imported ore supply disruptions fuel near-term price optimism
Indian silico manganese prices continued their upward trajectory this week, supported by strong domestic demand and sellers maintaining firm pricing amid tight availability. Rising manganese ore costs, particularly from imports, have added upward pressure, while steel mills’ cautious buying has kept transactions selective. Market sentiment remains positive, with mills starting to seek fresh bookings in anticipation of further price gains.
As per BigMint’s assessment on 20 January 2026, domestic silico manganese (60-14 grade) prices increased by an average of INR 600/t ($7/t) w-o-w across major markets, reflecting uptrend sentiment. In Raipur, prices rose by INR 600/t to INR 72,200/t exw ($788/t). Durgapur prices climbed by INR 400/t($4/t) to INR 71,800/t($784/t), while Vizag rates increased by INR 500/t ($6/t) to INR 71,800/t exw ($784/t). In Raigarh, prices gained INR 700/t ($8/t) to around INR 71,500/t exw ($780/t), indicating broad-based strength across regions.
Raipur silico manganese prices have risen to over two-month high as these levels were seen in the beginning of November’25, as per data maintained with BigMint.
Confirmed deals (as per BigMint)
Market Overview
Rising ore prices fuel concerns, spark mill inquiries: Steel prices inched up w-o-w, with BigMint’s billet index rising by INR 550/t to INR 41,000/t exw-Raipur on 21 January. Despite the increase, overall market activity remained subdued amid weak demand and limited participation in the semi-finished steel segment. Manufacturers quoted higher prices, supported by decent buying in the previous session, while buyers stayed cautious after covering near-term requirements and deferred fresh bookings due to weak finished steel offtake.
The firmness in steel prices has lent support to alloy prices, with steel mills beginning to inquire about fresh bookings amid concerns over rising silico manganese prices, driven by the uptrend in imported manganese ore costs.
Export prices edge up on higher ore costs, tight supply: Indian silico manganese export prices edged up on higher ore costs and tighter raw material availability due to lower miner allocations, with steady demand from Turkiye, the UAE, and Japan supporting sentiment. BigMint assessed 65-16 at $912/t FOB (+$2/t w-o-w) and 60-14 at $821/t FOB (+$10/t w-o-w, two-month high) on 19 January 2026.
Meanwhile, India’s imported manganese ore prices rose for a third straight week to a 10-month high amid wet-season disruptions and logistics delays, with major miners raising Feb’26 offers, further underpinning the uptrend.
Billet prices surge w-o-w: BigMint’s billet index increased by INR 1,500/t ($16/t) w-o-w to INR 40,800/t ($445/t) exw-Raipur on 20 January. Meanwhile, prices decreased by INR 300/t ($3/t) d-o-d. In Raipur, trading activity stayed largely confined to hand-to-mouth procurement, with only a few spot deals reported during the session. Market participants noted that persistent softness in finished steel demand has forced billet producers to trim prices in an attempt to stimulate buying, though confidence among buyers remains fragile
Outlook
Domestic prices may see a slight uptrend in the near term, supported by firm domestic and overseas demand, while ongoing overseas ore supply disruptions are expected to keep prices elevated.
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