en.Wedoany.com Reported - Currently, Indian imported manganese ore prices remain under sustained pressure, with weak downstream demand coexisting with oversupply in seaborne shipments. Against the backdrop of sluggish steel demand and razor-thin alloy profit margins, Indian domestic smelters continue to restrict purchases to immediate requirements; however, the greater downward pressure on prices stems from the supply side, as rising output from major global producers has led to higher inventories at export ports, weakening sellers' pricing power.
By grade, Australian high-grade ore (Mn 46%) was quoted at $5.24/dmtu (CNF Haldia/Vizag), down $0.04/dmtu month-on-month; Gabonese high-grade ore (Mn 44%) was quoted at $5.00/dmtu, down $0.09/dmtu month-on-month; and South African lump ore (Mn 37%) was quoted at $4.43/dmtu, down $0.07/dmtu month-on-month. All three are priced on a CNF Haldia/Vizag basis.
On the supply side, South32 increased its manganese ore output to 5.116 million tons in fiscal year 2026 (July 2025 to June 2026), primarily driven by the recovery of its Australian operations—which nearly tripled output to 3.031 million tons following last year's production disruption. The company also sold 3.59 million tons from its Australian operations to continue drawing down inventories. Jupiter Mines reported a 14% quarter-on-quarter increase in manganese ore output to 966,000 tons in Q4 of fiscal year 2026, driven by higher mining grades and increased barrier pillar extraction; its high-grade ore output rose 16% quarter-on-quarter, with production costs stable at $2.48/dmtu (FOB). The output growth from both miners is expected to keep seaborne manganese ore supply ample, exerting pressure on prices amid weak demand.
Eramet Comilog, the leading manganese ore supplier in Gabon, lowered its September 2026 offer by $0.20/dmtu month-on-month, with Mn44.5% lump ore quoted at $4.90/dmtu (CIF China) and Mn43% fines at $4.70/dmtu. The price cut comes as Chinese manganese alloy producers, facing weak steel demand and depressed alloy prices, are purchasing only on a need-to-buy basis with a cautious stance; ample seaborne manganese ore supply has also intensified competition among suppliers, who are inclined to lower offers to stimulate transactions. However, spot market activity remains subdued, with thin alloy margins and uncertainty in steel demand continuing to dampen buying sentiment. Improved rail transport efficiency has supported the company's external manganese ore sales, with volumes up 4% in H1CY26 to 2.789 million tons.
On arrivals, during the week of July 19–25, 2026, Indian imported manganese ore (Mn37%, Mn44%, Mn46%) arrivals totaled 205,782 tons, down 6% from 218,804 tons the previous week.
Looking ahead, imported manganese ore prices are expected to remain under pressure in the near term, with seaborne supply growth still outpacing demand. With output increases from major miners such as South32 and Jupiter Mines and high inventories at export ports, manganese ore supply will remain ample. On the demand side, Chinese alloy producers and Indian smelters are expected to maintain need-based purchasing amid weak steel demand and depressed alloy margins.
