[SMM Data] Imported manganese ore volumes decreased 0.94% MoM and increased 20.63% YoY in May

According to the latest release from the General Administration of Customs, SMM statistics show that China's total manganese ore imports in May 2025 were 2.94 million mt, down 0.94% MoM and up 20.63% YoY. From January to May, cumulative imports reached 11.78 million mt, down 59.87% compared to the same period last year. The main reason for the MoM decline in manganese ore imports in May was the slow progress in port repairs in the Gabon region, which affected manganese ore shipments, leading to a MoM decrease. Additionally, the downstream alloy market for manganese ore remained sluggish, with the operating rate still at a relatively low level, resulting in reduced demand for manganese ore and a subsequent decline in imports.