- Imported ore prices hit multi-month highs on firm global market sentiment
- Malaysia hydropower risks boost Indian export enquiries amid tight supply
Indian silico manganese export prices moved higher in the week ending 5 October 2026, supported by increased overseas enquiries and tighter spot availability. Several smelters have either scheduled maintenance or reduced operating rates, limiting spot volumes and strengthening sellers’ bargaining position.
Meanwhile, the recent rise in imported manganese ore prices has increased replacement costs for producers. Elevated power and reductant costs, including higher coal and coke prices, have further raised production costs. With limited spot availability and higher input costs, producers have maintained firm offers, supporting the upward movement in export prices.
As per BigMint index, export prices rose by an average of $35/t w-o-w, with both major grade. The 60-14 grade increased by $34/t to $892/t FOB Vizag/Haldia. Meanwhile, 65-16 grade prices climbed by $35/t to $990/t FOB Vizag/Haldia. Below are the factors that resulted in hike in prices:
1. Raw material cost push – Manganese ore import prices gain as global supply tightens and costs rise: India’s imported manganese ore prices rose in the week ending 3 October 2026, driven by higher offers from major miners Eramet and South32, elevated freight costs and improved Chinese buying interest. Rising replacement costs strengthened sellers’ price expectations, while higher landed costs increased procurement expenses for Indian alloy producers.
Australian Mn 46% prices rose by $0.19/dmtu w-o-w to $5.40/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag, while Gabonese Mn 44% prices increased by $0.18/dmtu to $5.05/dmtu. South African Mn 37% lump prices recorded the sharpest increase, climbing $0.43/dmtu to $4.65/dmtu. The broad-based gains indicate firmer supplier offers across grades, although sustained price momentum will depend on Chinese demand and Indian buyers’ acceptance of higher landed costs.
2. Limited export offers from Malaysia – Malaysia supply risks, higher overseas enquiries support Indian silico manganese prices: Malaysia’s hydropower shortages, reportedly linked to drought, are raising concerns over manganese-alloy supply and export availability. Malaysia exported around 0.28 mnt of silico manganese in 2025, as per BigMint data and any reduction in operating rates could tighten regional spot availability. Electricity cost pressures in Ukraine and Kazakhstan have also improved the competitiveness of Indian material, supporting overseas enquiries, sources informed.
Meanwhile, planned maintenance and reduced operating rates at Indian smelters have further limited spot availability, particularly for export-grade silico manganese. Tighter supply, stronger export enquiries and elevated input costs are supporting firm Indian silico manganese export prices.
Outlook
Silico manganese export prices are likely to remain firm in the near term, supported by tight spot availability, higher manganese ore replacement costs and steady overseas enquiries. However, further upside could be limited if buyers resist higher offers or export demand weakens.
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