The Chinese domestic manganese ore market has indicated a slight softening during the past week. The mainstream quotations of Australian lump ore with 46 percent Mn content currently stand at $7.99/dmtu (RMB 54/dmtu) at China’s Tianjin port, while offers of lump ore of 48 percent Mn content are at $7.69/dmtu (RMB 52/dmtu). Also at Tianjin port, quotations for 44 percent grade Mn ore from Gabon are at $7.69/dmtu (RMB 52/dmtu), while offers of South African lump ore of 38 percent Mn content are at $6.95/dmtu (RMB 47/dmtu).
Overall trading activity in the Chinese manganese ore market has been at low levels in the past seven days. Overseas suppliers’ ore quotations have recently declined. However, most traders believe that manganese ore prices are already at low levels and that high-cost inventory at Chinese ports will support current prices. Downstream manganese alloy prices have indicated minor downticks, while demand for manganese ore has remained at normal levels. As for the week ahead, it is believed that manganese ore prices may follow a stable trend, with slight decreases also possible.