SMM analysis on China June battery-grade manganese sulphate output and July forecast

According to SMM, in June, China's battery-grade manganese sulphate production was approximately 16,000 mt, down 1.84% MoM. Overseas manganese ore offers increased by $0.7/mtu MoM, which provided strong cost support, leading battery-grade manganese sulphate producers to hold prices firm. However, the scheduled production of ternary cathode precursors decreased, resulting in slightly weak demand, fewer market inquiries, and quiet spot trade atmosphere. As the profit margins of battery-grade manganese sulphate producers were not fully restored, they mostly produced based on sales, leading to an overall decline in production.

It is expected that in July, the inventory of high-grade manganese oxide ore will be further consumed while end-user steel demand will enter the off-season, causing fluctuations in raw material prices. Manganese sulphate prices may drop slightly. Some manganese sulphate plants that have not yet resumed normal production may return to normal output. Overall, battery-grade manganese sulphate production in July is expected to increase to approximately 17,000 mt, up 6.25% MoM.