China’s total manganese ore imports in January increased 5.14% MoM and 102.98% YoY [SMM Data]

Published: Mar 20, 2026 16:53

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According to the latest release from the General Administration of Customs, SMM statistics showed that China’s total manganese ore imports were 3.4426 million mt in January 2026, up 5.14% MoM and up 102.98% YoY. January imports by origin were Australia (601,700 mt, up 3.93% MoM), South Africa (1.963 million mt, up 12.1% MoM), Gabon (331,900 mt, down 11.61% MoM), Ghana (265,700 mt, down 21.39% MoM), Brazil (121,400 mt, up 80.69% MoM), and Myanmar (43,500 mt, down 4.56% MoM).

According to the latest release from the General Administration of Customs, SMM statistics showed that China’s total manganese ore imports reached 3.4426 million mt in January 2026, up 5.14% MoM and up 102.98% YoY. In January, imports from Australia were 601,700 mt, up 3.93% MoM; South African ore was 1.963 million mt, up 12.1% MoM; Gabonese ore was 331,900 mt, down 11.61% MoM; Ghanaian ore was 265,700 mt, down 21.39% MoM; Brazilian ore was 121,400 mt, up 80.69% MoM, and Myanmar ore was 43,500 mt, down 4.56% MoM.

The main reasons for the MoM increase in manganese ore imports in January were: concentrated downstream stockpiling ahead of Chinese New Year, a sharp increase in arrivals of South African ore, and a significant rebound in Brazilian ore imports. First, pre-holiday stockpiling demand was released in a concentrated manner. With Chinese New Year approaching in January, alloy plants such as SiMn producers restocked intensively to ensure production during and after the holiday, boosting manganese ore imports and accelerating the pace of arrivals. Second, arrivals of South African ore increased sharply, serving as the main source of incremental supply. South African ore imports reached 1.963 million mt in January, up 12.1% MoM. In December, manganese ore shipments from South Africa to China remained at a high level and arrived in a concentrated manner in January, offsetting declines in other ore categories. In addition, Brazilian ore imports rebounded sharply. Brazilian ore imports reached 121,400 mt in January, surging 80.69% MoM and becoming an important source of incremental supply.

In summary, the MoM growth in manganese ore imports in January resulted from the combined effects of a surge in arrivals of South African ore, a sharp rebound in Brazilian ore, and the concentrated release of pre-holiday stockpiling demand, while declines in Gabonese, Ghanaian, and other ore categories did not alter the overall growth trend.

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.

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