India: Imported high-grade manganese ore prices edge up w-o-w

• Supply crunch shields imported ore from alloy market downturn
  
  
• Weekly cargo arrivals down at the Indian port
  
  

Imported manganese ore prices witnessed a mild uptick w-o-w, though the overall trend remained largely stable. The marginal rise was driven by selective procurement of better-grade material and steady underlying demand from alloy producers.

However, the ongoing correction in manganese alloy prices limited any sharp upside, as smelters maintained cautious buying amid squeezed margins. Adequate inventories at ports and sufficient supply availability further capped price movements. Overall, the market reflects a balanced-to-rangebound trend, with slight support from demand for higher grades offset by weak downstream alloy sentiment.

• Australian high-grade ore (Mn 46%)up by $0.06/dmtu w-o-w to $6.56/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
  
  
• Gabonese high-grade ore (Mn 44%)increased $0.10/dmtu w-o-w to $6.14/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
  
  
• South African lumps (Mn 37%)remained stable w-o-w to $5.52/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
  
  

Imported manganese ore supported by supply tightness, delays keep prices firm: Imported manganese ore prices are finding support amid ongoing supply constraints, with limited availability at ports and stronger inquiries for high-grade material driving miner offers upward. The tightness in spot availability has restricted any meaningful price correction despite weakness in downstream alloys.

In addition, longer transit and discharge timelines at destination portspartly linked to geopolitical disruptionsare further tightening near-term supply, impacting timely material flow to smelters.

A key Durgapur-based smelter highlighted that the market is yet to see any correction in imported ore prices due to constrained supply from export ports. The participant added that if the situation persists, producers may need to adopt strategic production planning to maintain operational continuity.

Manganese alloys extend decline w-o-w on weak demand, oversupply: Indias manganese alloys market continued to correct over the week. Silico manganese (60-14) prices fell by INR 2,750/t to INR 80,20081,200/t amid weak demand, ample inventories, and competitive offers. Export prices for HC 65-16 also dropped by $30/t to $937/t FOB Vizag/Haldia. Ferro manganese (70%) prices declined by INR 1,800-1,900/t to around INR 82,800-83,000/t in key markets, pressured by persistent oversupply and subdued demand. Export prices for 75% grade fell sharply by $37/t to $945/t FOB, reflecting limited fresh inquiries.

Imported manganese ore arrivals down w-o-w:Weekly manganese ore cargo arrivals (Mn37%, Mn44%, and Mn46%) to India decreased by 20% to 120,940 t over 09-15 April 2026 against 151,500 t in the previous week.

Outlook

Prices likely to remain firm to rangebound, supported by tight supply, limited port availability, and logistics delays. However, weak alloy sentiment may cap upside, with correction possible if supply conditions ease.