Chinese manganese ore imports climbed in September

According to the latest customs data, Chinese manganese ore imports in September totalled 3.04 million mt, up 20.63% MoM but down 2.75% YoY, bringing total imports in the first nine months of 2023 up to 23.43 million mt, up 5.3% YoY. Export volume in Sep was 1,700 mt, pushing up total exports from January to September to 55,800 mt. Manganese ore imports increased significantly in September, with rising imports from Gabon, Australia, Zambia and Myanmar. Imports from Gabon and Zambia both hiked by more than 130% MoM. But imports from Cote d'Ivoire and Malaysia dropped by over 150%, the manganese ore from these two countries was seldom used in China's alloy plants, while imports of frequently-used South African manganese ore in China dipped a paltry 3.4% MoM.