- Ample supply intensifies seller competition
- Muted export interest adds to price weakness
Indian silico manganese prices witnessed a marginal decline recently, driven by sluggish demand from the steel sector, stable production levels, and weak export activity. Market participants highlighted limited trade interest, with buyers remaining cautious amid subdued sentiment.
According to BigMint’s assessment on 12 August 2025, domestic silico manganese prices of the 60-14 grade were recorded as follows: ex-works prices in Raipur were at INR 71,300/tonne (t) ($815/t), down by INR 400/t ($5/t), while tags in Durgapur stood at around INR 71,100/t ($812/t), down by INR 500/t ($6/t). In Vizag, prices were at INR 71,100/t ($812/t), down by INR 500/t ($6/t).
Meanwhile, the premium 60-15 grade was also dipped w-o-w, trading in the range of INR 72,000-73,000/t ($823-834/t). In Raipur, trade volumes dropped to 2,200 t from 2,700 t in the previous week, indicating weaker buying interest.
Confirmed deals (as per BigMint)
Market overview
Steady production adds to market pressure: Most Indian silico manganese producers continued operations without major disruptions, maintaining consistent output across major clusters. With plants running at normal capacity and no notable cutbacks, material availability in the market remained sufficient. While this sustained supply flow, the absence of strong offtake led to greater seller competition and softer pricing.
Export realisations remain under strain: Indian silico manganese exporters faced stiff price resistance in overseas markets, particularly from buyers in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Global silico manganese prices remained range-bound, limiting the scope for Indian suppliers to secure profitable export orders. As a result, a larger share of output was redirected to the domestic market, amplifying the pressure on local prices.
Regional inventory accumulation weighs on offers: With trade volumes subdued and dispatches slowing down, stock accumulation was observed at both producer and trader ends. In regions such as Durgapur and Vizag, market participants highlighted elevated inventory levels, prompting aggressive selling at or below prevailing market prices. This inventory overhang was a key factor that pulled down prices.
Outlook
In the near term, Indian silico manganese prices are expected to remain under mild pressure, unless export activity improves or producers recalibrate output to better align with current market absorption levels.
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