SMM Data: Manganese Ore Imports Down MoM in January-February Due to Repairs at Overseas Mine Docks

According to the latest release by the General Administration of Customs, SMM statistics showed that China's total manganese ore imports in January 2025 were 1.7 million mt, down 33.55% MoM and 40.28% YoY. In February 2025, China's total manganese ore imports were 2.23 million mt, up 31.71% MoM but down 2.87% YoY. The cumulative imports for January-February amounted to 3.93 million mt, a 23.54% decrease compared to the same period last year. The main reasons for the MoM decrease in manganese ore imports during January-February were: slow progress in repairing docks in Gabon, leading to reduced shipments of manganese ore from the region in Q1. Additionally, there was no news of South32 resuming manganese ore shipments, and Australian ore imports had not seen significant growth. Furthermore, the operating rates of manganese alloy plants slightly decreased in January-February, with sufficient manganese ore inventory, resulting in weaker purchasing enthusiasm for manganese ore.