China manganese ore imports declined in October

According to the latest release of the General Administration of Customs, China imported 2.71 million mt of manganese ore in October 2023, down 10.86% MoM but up 2.85% YoY, and exported 9,500 mt. From January to October, manganese ore imports totalled 26.14 million mt, up 5.02% YoY, and exports totalled 65,300 mt. The amount of manganese ore imports decreased significantly in October, mainly because SiMn alloy plants’ muted demand after refilling stocks ahead of the National Day holiday, which piled higher pressure on inventory at ports post holiday. Among them, imports of Australian and Gabonese manganese oxide ore were down 21.31% and 18.15% respectively. Although imports from Côte d'Ivoire's increased by 109.72%, the country's manganese ore was less frequently used in China's SiMn alloy plants. At the same time, South Africa's manganese ore, a more frequently used ore, only increased by 20.03%. Overall, the overall manganese ore import volume in October still declined.