Manganese Price Trend and Forecast

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  • Commodity Pricing

manganese Price Trends by Country

auAustralia
zaSouth Africa

Global manganese Spot Market Prices, Trend Analysis and Forecast

Price-Watch’s most active coverage of Manganese price assessment:

  • Purity: 38%min. FOB Richard Bay, South Africa
  • Purity: 45%min. FOB Brisbane, Australia

Manganese Price Trend Q3 2025

In Q3 2025, the global Manganese market exhibited a mixed trend, with overall prices showing a slight incline of around 0.14% compared to the previous quarter. The modest increase was largely supported by steady demand from the steel and alloy industries, which remain the primary consumers of manganese globally. In key producing regions such as Australia and South Africa, consistent mining output and moderate restocking by industrial buyers provided mild support to prices.

Meanwhile, subdued industrial activity in other regions limited further gains. Supply-side factors, including stable production levels and logistical constraints in certain areas, contributed to localized price fluctuations. Overall, the market remained balanced, reflecting cautious demand growth and stable supply conditions, with near-term sentiment showing moderate optimism.

Australia

Manganese Export prices FOB Brisbane, Australia, Purity: 45%min.

According to the PriceWatch, in Q3 2025, the manganese price trend in Australia declined by 1.37% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting softer demand from the steel and ferroalloy manufacturing sectors. Moderated downstream consumption, coupled with steady domestic production and stable export volumes, contributed to the mild price decline.

Additionally, competitive international supply from other major producers, particularly South Africa and Brazil, applied slight downward pressure on market sentiment. Overall, the market remained relatively balanced, with producers managing output and inventories carefully to maintain stability amid subdued demand.

Manganese prices in Australia declined by 1.83% in September 2025, primarily due to softened demand from the steel and alloy manufacturing sectors amid slower industrial activity. Steady domestic production and adequate inventory levels further contributed to the downward pressure on prices, while export inquiries remained moderate.

Overall, the manganese market in Australia during Q3 2025 exhibited a softening trend, with expectations of gradual stabilization in Q4 as downstream demand and global steel production show signs of recovery.

South Africa

Manganese Export prices FOB Santos, South Africa, Purity: 38%min.

According to the PriceWatch, in Q3 2025, the manganese price trend in South Africa inclined by 1.65% compared to the previous quarter, supported by steady demand from the steel and ferroalloy industries. Increased procurement by downstream manufacturers and healthy export orders, particularly to Asia, contributed to the upward momentum.

Additionally, stable production levels and controlled supply from local mines helped sustain price firmness. Overall, the market exhibited a positive sentiment, with producers balancing output and inventories to meet consistent industrial demand throughout the quarter.

Manganese prices in South Africa declined by 1.51% in September 2025, mainly due to subdued demand from the steel and alloy manufacturing sectors amid slower global industrial activity. Adequate domestic supply and steady export availability further weighed on prices, limiting any upward momentum.

Overall, the manganese market in South Africa during Q3 2025 reflected a mild downward trend, with expectations of gradual stabilization in Q4 as downstream demand and international steel production gradually improve.

Manganese Price Trend Analysis: Q2 2025

According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, manganese ore prices declined by $5.50 per DMTU, FOB Brisbane marking a 13.16% drop amid weakening global demand and elevated inventories in key markets like China. The price softening reflects reduced buying from alloy producers facing tighter margins and a cautious steel sector, leading to subdued short-term sentiment.

Despite the decline, prices remain above key production thresholds for major Australian miners, suggesting supply cuts are unlikely in the near term. Additionally, output in Australia is gradually recovering following earlier weather-related disruptions, while the market anticipates a potential rebound in demand later in the year, particularly if infrastructure and construction activity intensify. 

In the first quarter of 2025, manganese prices experienced a modest decline, dropping by $6.33 per DMTU, FOB Brisbane which represents a 0.66% decrease. This slight downturn suggests a relatively stable market with only minor fluctuations. The price drop could be attributed to factors such as easing demand in key industrial sectors, slight improvements in supply chain logistics, or shifts in global trade dynamics.

Despite the decrease, the marginal percentage change indicates that manganese remains largely steady in value, reflecting balanced market conditions amid ongoing economic uncertainties. 

Manganese Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2024

In Q4 2024, manganese prices are projected to increase by $6 per DMTU, FOB Brisbane reflecting a modest rise of approximately 1.51%. This incremental price growth suggests steady demand within key industries such as steel manufacturing and battery production, supported by ongoing infrastructure development and a gradual shift towards electric vehicles.

While the increase is moderate, it indicates a balanced market where supply constraints and demand pressures are aligning without causing sharp volatility. Overall, manganese remains a critical raw material with stable pricing dynamics heading into the final quarter of 2024. 

In Q3 2024, manganese prices experienced a notable increase of $7 per DMTU, FOB Brisbane reflecting a 3.29% rise compared to the previous quarter. This upward trend can be attributed to a combination of tightening supply dynamics and steady demand growth, particularly from the steel and battery industries.

The ongoing focus on electric vehicle production and infrastructure development has further bolstered manganese consumption, contributing to the price gain. Market participants are closely monitoring these factors as manganese continues to play a critical role in both traditional steelmaking and emerging clean energy technologies. 

In Q2 2024, the manganese market experienced a notable price increase of $8 per DMTU, FOB Brisbane representing a 7.28% rise compared to the previous quarter. This upward movement reflects tightening supply conditions combined with sustained demand from the steel and battery manufacturing sectors. The surge is driven by increased production costs and heightened consumption in emerging markets focusing on electric vehicle batteries, which heavily rely on manganese as a key component.

As a result, the price hike signals robust market fundamentals and suggests continued upward pressure on manganese prices in the near term, potentially influencing procurement strategies and cost structures across related industries. 

In the first quarter of 2024, the manganese market experienced a notable price increase of $5 per DMTU, FOB Brisbane reflecting a 6.41% rise compared to the previous quarter. This upward movement can be attributed to a combination of factors, including tightening supply due to production slowdowns in key mining regions and sustained demand from the steel and battery industries.

The increase highlights manganese’s growing importance in industrial applications, particularly in electric vehicle battery manufacturing, which continues to drive market dynamics. Overall, the price adjustment signals a tightening market environment and suggests potential continued upward pressure if demand remains robust and supply constraints persist. 

 

Technical Specifications of Manganese Price Trends

Product Description

Manganese is a tough, gray, white metallic element known for its excellent hardness, impact strength, and resistance to wear. It is most widely used in the steel industry, where it serves as an essential alloying agent to improve hardness, tensile strength, and resistance to abrasion. Manganese also acts as a deoxidizer and desulfurizer during steel production, enhancing overall metal quality. Beyond metallurgy, manganese is crucial in battery technologies, especially in lithium ion and alkaline batteries, as well as in the production of fertilizers, pigments, and various chemical applications. Its versatile properties make manganese indispensable in structural materials and energy storage systems.

Identifiers and Classification:

HS Code – 260200

Manganese Grades Specific Price Assessment:

  • Manganese Purity: 45%min. Price Trend
  • Manganese Purity: 38%min. Price Trend


Manganese Global Trade and Shipment Terms

Quotation Terms (Product & Country Specific): 20000-50000 MT

Packaging Type (Product & Country Specific): Bulk


Incoterms Referenced in Manganese Price Reporting

Shipping Term  Location  Definition 
FOB Brisbane  Australia  Manganese Export price from Australia 
FOB Santos  South Africa  Domestically Traded Manganese price in South Africa 

*Quotation Terms refers to the quantity range specified for the Manganese being quoted or offered in a commercial transaction.

**Packaging Type refers to standard packaging size commonly used for Manganese packing, ease of handling, transportation, and storage in industrial and commercial applications.

Key Manganese Manufacturers

Manufacturer 
South32 – South Africa Manganese 
Assmang Proprietary Limited 
Manganese Metal Company (MMC) 
Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO) 
Consolidated Minerals (ConsMin) 
Firebird Metals 

Manganese Industrial Applications

manganese market share end use

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Manganese prices

• Energy Costs and Shipping Challenges (2022–2023): Rising global energy prices and continued shipping disruptions affected manganese ore transport and refining operations. These challenges, compounded by limited investment in new mining capacity, led to supply tightness and heightened price volatility. 

• Supply Disruptions and Export Restrictions (2021–2022): Key manganese-producing countries like South Africa and Gabon faced intermittent disruptions due to labour strikes, COVID-19 lockdowns, and logistical constraints. Additionally, some countries considered tightening export regulations to secure domestic supply, adding upward pressure on prices. 

• Infrastructure and Steel Demand Surge (2020–2021): Manganese is a critical component in steel production. During the post-COVID-19 economic recovery, increased infrastructure spending and construction activity, especially in China and emerging markets, drove strong demand for steel, boosting manganese consumption and prices. 

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global manganese price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the manganese market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence manganese prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely manganese market data.

Track PriceWatch's manganese price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: We gather information from global exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary sources to provide timely and accurate assessments. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: We incorporate insights from producers, suppliers, and end-users across key production regions to offer a comprehensive view of market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the availability and cost of raw materials to evaluate supply conditions and price pressures. 

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: We monitor political and economic events that impact supply chains and the flow of Manganese production. 
  • Market Demand Shifts: Our analysis considers global shifts in industrial and consumer demand, particularly in sectors like automotive, electronics, and renewable energy. 

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We assess operational Manganese production facilities and their output levels. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: We forecast future production capabilities, factoring in technological advancements and production expansions. 

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: We evaluate demand from major sectors such as automotive catalysts, renewable energy, and electronics. 
  • Regional Demand Dynamics: We assess demand from key markets and regions, especially Australia and South Africa, and their impact on global pricing. 

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: Our pricing models incorporate real-time data, historical trends, and market projections. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We perform scenario-based forecasting, assessing potential market conditions under various economic, geopolitical, and technological developments. 

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: We provide actionable insights, forecasting, and detailed analysis of current and future price trends. 
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch delivers continuous updates and expert advice tailored to your business needs. 

Manganese Market Price Trend provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for manganese. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

Raw Material Availability – Manganese is primarily mined in countries like South Africa, Australia, and Gabon. The availability of high-grade ore and disruptions in mining operations directly impact global supply and pricing.

Global Demand – The steel industry is the largest consumer of manganese (used as an alloy to improve strength and durability). Therefore, global steel production levels significantly influence manganese demand and pricing.

Geopolitical Stability – Political instability, labor strikes, or regulatory changes in major manganese-producing countries can disrupt exports and supply chains, pushing prices higher.

Environmental and Regulatory Policies – Stricter environmental regulations in producing or refining regions can raise compliance costs, limiting supply and affecting prices.

Processing and Transportation Costs – Manganese ore is bulky and costly to transport. Changes in fuel prices, shipping logistics, or labor costs at refineries and smelters can influence the market price.

Infrastructure and Energy Access – Reliable access to power and transport infrastructure is essential for mining and processing manganese. Deficiencies or improvements in infrastructure can affect production capacity and cost.

Substitution and Technological Changes – Advances in materials science that reduce the need for manganese in alloys or batteries can decrease long-term demand.

Market Speculation and Commodity Trading – Investment trends, futures trading, and speculative activity in commodity markets can cause short-term price volatility.

Exchange Rates – Manganese is traded internationally, often priced in USD. Currency fluctuations—especially in the currencies of major producers—can impact profitability and pricing strategies.

China’s Market Influence – China is both a major importer and processor of manganese. Its domestic demand, trade policies, and industrial output levels heavily affect global prices.

The availability and cost of raw materials such as high-carbon steel and alloy coatings directly affect Manganese production costs and pricing.

Manganese prices tend to follow general inflation trends due to rising mining, labor, and transportation costs. However, the primary driver of manganese pricing is industrial demand, especially from the steel and battery sectors which can cause prices to fluctuate independently of inflation. Supply chain disruptions or shifts in global steel production often have a more pronounced impact than inflation alone.