SHANGHAI, Oct. 18 (SMM) – Inquires from SiMn alloy producers were brisk and slight increase of SiMn alloy at certain areas boosted confidence of manganese ore producers. In this context, traders at south China ports increased offers of certain specification of manganese ore in supply shortage. However, according to SMM sources, SiMn alloy producers still purchased imported manganese ore conservatively. According to some SiMn alloy producers, they may lower SiMn alloy output if they fail to purchase manganese ore at appropriasate prices.

Arrivals of manganese ore were relatively high at Lianyungang port, largely carbonate manganese ore from Ghana, lumps from Australia, and manganese ore with medium grade iron from South Africa. However, such manganese ores were largely held by SiMn producers rather than at traders. In south China ports, Australia lump and granule were still in deficit. In addition, BHP restricted sales to China. Most traders had high expectation to hike manganese ore prices. Traders with goods purchased in 2010 and 2011 tried to seek opportunities to move goods.