Manganese Pricing Assessment

  • Commodity Pricing

manganese Markets Covered: 

auAustralia
zaSouth Africa

manganese Markets Covered: 

Global manganese Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

Q1 2025 

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.

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. 

Q3 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. 

Q2 2024 

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. 

Q1 2024 

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. 

India manganese Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

manganese Parameters Covered: 

  • Manganese 
  • Australia and South Africa 
  • Manganese (Steel production, Ferrous, Aluminum & Copper alloys, Lithium-ion batteries, Water treatment, Fertilizers, Structural steel and railway components, Fuel additives, green hydrogen and catalysis.) 

manganese Parameters Covered: 

  • Manganese 
  • Australia and South Africa 
  • Manganese (Steel production, Ferrous, Aluminum & Copper alloys, Lithium-ion batteries, Water treatment, Fertilizers, Structural steel and railway components, Fuel additives, green hydrogen and catalysis.) 

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.

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. 

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. 

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

CAS No

HS Code

260200

Molecular Formula

manganese

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.

Packaging Type

Dry Bulk

Grades Covered

Purity: 38%min. and Purity: 45%min.

Incoterms Used

FOB Richard Bay, FOB Brisbane

Synonym

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

50000-65000 MT

Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.

Property  Mn 38% Grade  Mn 45% Grade 
Mn Content  36–38%  44–46% 
Fe Content  4–6%  3–5% 
SiO₂ (Silica)  ≤ 10%  ≤ 8% 
Al₂O₃ (Alumina)  ≤ 5%  ≤ 4% 
P (Phosphorus)  ≤ 0.15%  ≤ 0.1% 
S (Sulphur)  ≤ 0.05%  ≤ 0.03% 
Moisture (at Delivery)  ≤ 10%  ≤ 8% 
Lump Size  10–100 mm (customizable)  10–75 mm (customizable) 
Fines Content  ≤ 10% below 10 mm  ≤ 5% below 10 mm 

Applications

  • Metallurgy & Steel Production: Manganese is primarily used in steelmaking, where it acts as a deoxidizer and desulfurizer. It improves hardness, toughness, and strength, making steel more durable and wear resistant. Over 90% of manganese consumption is in steel and iron production.
  • Batteries & Energy Storage: Manganese is a key component in lithium manganese oxide (LiMn₂O₄) and nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cathodes used in lithium-ion batteries, enhancing safety, thermal stability, and cost-effectiveness in electric vehicles and portable electronics.
  • Chemical Industry: Manganese compounds, such as potassium permanganate and manganese dioxide, are widely used as oxidizing agents in chemical synthesis, wastewater treatment, and as a disinfectant in water purification systems.
  • Aluminium Alloys: Manganese is added to aluminium alloys to improve corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, making them suitable for beverage cans, marine components, and automotive applications.
  • Agriculture & Fertilizers: Manganese is an essential micronutrient in plant growth. It is used in fertilizers and soil conditioners to correct manganese deficiencies and promote healthy crop development.
  • Glass & Ceramics: Manganese dioxide is used in glassmaking to remove color impurities and create purple, pink, and black tints in glass and ceramics. It also acts as a decolorizing agent in the production of colourless glass.
  • Electronics & Magnetic Materials: Manganese is used in the production of ferrites and soft magnetic materials for use in transformers, inductors, and memory storage devices due to its magnetic and electrical properties.
  • Health & Nutrition: Manganese is an essential trace element in human and animal nutrition, playing a vital role in bone formation, metabolism, and antioxidant enzyme functions. It is included in dietary supplements and fortified foods.
  • Other Applications: Manganese finds use in welding electrodes, pigments for paints and coatings, and in the production of dry cell batteries (using manganese dioxide as a cathode material). It is also used in alloying non-ferrous metals like copper and zinc for enhanced performance.
Manganese price 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.

PriceWatch offers a range of tools and services to track commodity prices effectively:

Real-Time Data: Access market intelligence and data on global Manganese supply chains.

Expert Analysis: Insights on market trends and potential risks.

Risk Assessment: Tools to evaluate supply chain vulnerabilities.

Benchmarking: Compare Manganese prices and sourcing practices.

Supplier Intelligence: Information on supplier reliability and financial health.

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