The manganese ore market has maintained a stable yet upward trend, with price increases in ports in northern China being particularly prominent. The core supporting factors are the continuous rise in futures prices, coupled with the firm performance of downstream alloy markets such as silicomanganese, which has provided strong support for manganese ore prices.
Specifically, the current quotation for 45% Australian lump manganese ore shows a north-south divergence:
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Quotations at northern ports stand at 44–45 yuan/dmtu, up 0.5 yuan/dmtu from the previous period.
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Quotations at southern ports are 43–44 yuan/dmtu.
A price gap between the north and south has gradually emerged.
In terms of port performance:
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Transaction prices at Tianjin Port in the north have remained firm, with traders showing strong willingness to support prices.
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Qinzhou Port market price has been relatively stable. Affected by the low operating rate of downstream alloy enterprises, its price increase has lagged behind that of the north.
In addition, on the international market, overseas mines have slightly raised their April quotations. Notably, South32 increased its Australian lump manganese ore offer month-on-month, further pushing up China’s import costs and supporting strong domestic spot prices.
Meanwhile, overall manganese ore inventories at Chinese ports are at relatively low levels in recent years. This low-inventory environment has further strengthened price support. It is expected that the manganese ore market will maintain a stable and upward trend in the short term.
