SHANGHAI, Mar. 1 (SMM) -- According to SMM survey result, tight supply of EMM is expected to ease in March. Based on expected new capacities, operating rates at EMM producers in Mach may grow to 41%, and supply of EMM may return to around 80,000 mt.

Purchases from stainless steel mills, however, may not increase. Besides, actual overseas purchases may grow limitedly despite that inquiries are expected to grow. SMM thus expects EMM prices may face risks to fall with increasing supply in early March. However, current tight supply of manganese ore will increase production cost for EMM, which will prevent EMM prices from falling sharply.

 If demand for EMM improves in late March, prices for EMM may advance further to RMB 13,800-14,000/mt in the following week.