- China restocking and higher landed costs support India’s Mn ore market
- Weekly cargo arrivals down at Indian port
India’s imported manganese ore prices moved higher in the week ending 3 October 2026, supported by firmer global supply and rising landed costs. Major suppliers, including Eramet and South32, raised offer levels, setting a higher benchmark for the market. Meanwhile, rising crude oil prices and higher India–Middle East freight costs increased landed costs for Indian buyers. Improved manganese ore consumption and restocking activity in China further supported global price sentiment, contributing to the upward movement in Indian import prices.
- Australian high-grade manganese ore (Mn 46%) prices increased by $0.19/dmtu w-o-w to $5.40/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag, reaching a three-month high.
- Gabonese high-grade manganese ore (Mn 44%) prices increased by $0.18/dmtu w-o-w to $5.05/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag, reaching a two-month high.
- South African manganese lumps (Mn 37%) prices rose by $0.43/dmtu w-o-w to $4.65/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag, reaching a three-month high.
The key factors supporting further price increases
South32, Eramet raise November manganese ore offers: Global manganese ore offers strengthened for November shipments, with major suppliers raising benchmark levels. South32 increased its offer for South African semi-carbonate lump manganese ore to $4.35/dmtu for November 2026 shipments to China, up $0.15/dmtu m-o-m, while Eramet Comilog raised its offers for both Gabonese grades, with 44.5% lump at $4.80/dmtu CIF China and 43% chips at $4.60/dmtu CIF China, both up $0.10/dmtu m-o-m. The higher offers from major miners are providing stronger price benchmarks for South African and Gabonese material and supporting firmer sentiment in the global manganese ore market.
Higher freight and firm global offers lift india’s imported manganese ore prices: Market participants told BigMint that firmer manganese ore prices in India are being supported by stronger global demand and higher landed costs. Increased manganese ore consumption and restocking activity in China are supporting global price levels, while producers are maintaining firm offers amid limited prompt cargo availability. For Indian buyers, rising crude oil prices and higher India–Middle East freight costs have further increased the landed cost of imported ore, providing additional support to import prices.
Imported manganese ore arrivals in India down w-o-w: Weekly manganese ore cargo arrivals (Mn37%, Mn44%, and Mn46%) to India decreased by 50% to 113,900 t over 20-26 September 2026 against 227,817 t in the previous week.
Outlook
Imported manganese ore prices in India are expected to remain range-bound with a firm undertone in the near term. Firm manganese alloy prices are encouraging Indian smelters to maintain higher selling indications, improving their ability to absorb elevated ore costs. At the same time, higher global miner offers and freight costs are keeping replacement costs firm. However, if spot buying remains moderate and ore availability stays comfortable, the scope for a sharp price increase may remain limited, keeping imported manganese ore prices largely range-bound.
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