The Chinese manganese ore market has remained firm at stable levels during the past week. The mainstream quotations of Australian lump ore with 44 percent Mn content currently stand at $6.16/dmtu at China's Tianjin port, while offers of South African origin lump ore of 44 percent Mn content are at $6.25/dmtu. Also at Tianjin port, quotations for 38 percent grade Mn ore from Australia are in the range of $6.00/dmtu, while offers of South African lump ore of 38 percent Mn content are at $5.92/dmtu.
This week, the situation in China's manganese ore market has been almost the same as in the previous week, with the lack of inventory at ports giving manganese ore prices the support needed to remain at existing levels. In the south, manganese ore users stepped up their purchases somewhat, resulting in some slight upticks in prices. At present, manganese ore traders in China are inclined to hold on to their stocks and wait for prices to move upward. For now, however, prices are still mostly stable. Observers believe that decreases in purchase prices for manganese alloys may influence the demand for manganese ore from alloy producers. For the coming week, it is expected that manganese ore prices in China will continue to remain firm, while the room for upward movement is thought to be limited.