The Chinese domestic manganese ore market has been characterized by a fluctuating trend during the past week. The mainstream quotations of Australian lump ore with 46 percent Mn content currently stand at $11.82/dmtu (RMB 80/dmtu) at China’s Tianjin port, while offers of lump ore of 48 percent Mn content are at $11.67/dmtu (RMB 79/dmtu). Also at Tianjin port, quotations for 44 percent grade Mn ore from Gabon are at $11.67/dmtu (RMB 79/dmtu), while offers of South African lump ore of 38 percent Mn content are at $9.16/dmtu (RMB 62/dmtu).
Overall trading activity in the Chinese manganese ore market has been at normal levels in the past week. Meanwhile, the relatively high price levels of Australian lump ore have softened due to a slackening on the demand side, while prices of cheaper lump ore have increased on the back of stronger demand for lump ore. As for the future trend, some believe that, with the off-season for business approaching, weaker activity will cause a softening of manganese ore prices, while others believe that prices will not decrease due to support from prices of raw materials and steel. Manganese ore prices in China are expected to indicate further fluctuations in the week ahead.