China Mn3O4 output in October and forecast for November

SMM data shows China's October 2023 Mn3O4 production was 10,800 mt (4,700 mt electronic grade, 6,100 mt battery grade), up 10.16% MoM but down 26.26% YoY. January-October 2023 production totaled 106,900 mt, down 16.55% YoY. Battery-grade Mn3O4 production increased significantly due to a brief price recovery for lithium carbonate, boosting LMO orders and Mn3O4 procurement. However, due to a sluggish real estate market, electronic-grade Mn3O4 demand remained flat, keeping production normal.

Market feedback suggests the LMO market could slump in November, potentially reducing LMO scheduled production and, in turn, battery-grade Mn3O4 production. Electronic-grade Mn3O4 production should remain stable. Summing up these factors, November's total Mn3O4 production is projected to be around 9,400 mt.