Growing manganese capacity in Indonesia to shrink China’s exports there

Published: Feb 20, 2019 12:10

Save

Indonesia Tsingshan on Feb 13 commissioned its second manganese production line

SHANGHAI, Feb 20 (SMM) – China’s exports of electrolytic manganese to Indonesia are likely to substantially fall as manganese capacity in Indonesia expands.

PT. Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS) on February 13 commissioned its second production line at its manganese plant. The company has two manganese production lines in operation, with each producing 45 mt of electrolytic manganese per day. A third production line is in the pipeline.

The stainless steel maker, which based in Morowali, Indonesia, put 1 million mt of stainless steel capacity into production in June 2018. This brought the company's total stainless steel capacity to 3 million mt.

SMM learned that the company’s monthly output of stainless steel averaged about 200,000 mt, and were all for the #300 series. This is estimated to require 2,000-3,000 mt of electrolytic manganese per month, with 1-1.5% of manganese.

Indonesia Tsingshan’s manganese output is likely able to support its consumption.

China exported 19,586 mt of electrolytic manganese to Indonesia in 2018, up 67% from 2017, data from China Customs showed. The exports were unwrought materials, indicating that all the manganese would be used in stainless steel production.

Manganese Stainless steel

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

20 hours ago

Silicon Metal Market Review for January and Outlook for February

In January, the silicon metal market experienced a relatively loose supply-demand balance, with a theoretical inventory buildup of approximately 30,000 mt. In February, both supply and demand contracted simultaneously, and the market is expected to show a tight balance or minor destocking. The current high industry inventory still requires time to be digested, and the sustainability of destocking remains a key variable affecting price trends and market sentiment.

20 hours ago

Feb 6, 2026 15:36

A plant in northern China is calling for bids for indium ingots and bismuth ingots

SMM, February 6 - According to SMM’s investigation of market information, a large smelter in northern China began public bidding for a certain quantity of indium ingots and bismuth ingots starting yesterday. Market sources indicate that the starting price for these indium ingots exceeds 4,000 yuan per kilogram, while the starting price for bismuth ingots is above 150,000 yuan per ton. The bidding results are expected to be announced before the Spring Festival. Market participants note that, given the clear trend of sluggish trading activity ahead of the Spring Festival, the timing of this bidding is not ideal. However, the relatively favorable starting prices have generated considerable market anticipation for the outcome of the bidding.

Feb 6, 2026 15:36

Feb 5, 2026 19:18

[SMM Analysis] Futures Lack Momentum to Rise Further, Pre-Holiday Demand Stalls, and Stainless Steel Social Inventory Accumulation Intensifies

Feb 5, 2026 19:18