Quick answer: In October 2026, high-grade 44.5% Mn Gabonese lump was offered at US$4.70 per dmtu CIF China, about US$209 per dry tonne. That is down from US$5.45 for June shipment. Australian 46% lump was offered at US$4.90 per dmtu, about US$225 per dry tonne. South African ore at Chinese ports traded near 33 to 34 yuan per dmtu including VAT. India's MOIL raised domestic prices 5% for October.
October 2026 price snapshot
| Market | Grade and origin | Price | Basis | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seaborne to China | Gabon lump, 44.5% Mn (Eramet Comilog) | US$4.70/dmtu | CIF China, October shipment | Down US$0.20 from September |
| Seaborne to China | Gabon chips, 43% Mn (Eramet Comilog) | US$4.50/dmtu | CIF China, October shipment | Down US$0.20 from September |
| Seaborne to China | Australia lump, over 46% Mn (CML) | US$4.90/dmtu | CIF China, October shipment | Down US$0.20 from September |
| China port | South Africa, 36.5% Mn, Tianjin | 33.3 yuan/dmtu (about US$5 incl. VAT) | Portside, 29 September | Down 0.2 yuan week on week |
| China port | South Africa, Mn 38% Fe 5%, north China | 33.65 yuan/mtu (about US$4.44 excl. VAT) | Portside, 19 October | Flat week on week |
| India domestic | MOIL ferro, chemical, SMGR grades and fines | +5% | Ex-mine, from 1 October | Up |
Sources: Mysteel (producer offers and Tianjin price), Shanghai Metals Market via Jupiter Mines (north China price), PSU Connect (MOIL). Producer offers are list prices. Traded prices vary by lot and contract.
2026 price trend: Gabon 44.5% lump offers to China
| Shipment month | Offer (US$/dmtu CIF China) | Per dry tonne (44.5% Mn) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2026 | 4.90 | US$218 | Up |
| June 2026 | 5.45 | US$243 | Down from May |
| August 2026 | 5.10 | US$227 | Down |
| September 2026 | 4.90 | US$218 | Down US$0.20 |
| October 2026 | 4.70 | US$209 | Down US$0.20 |
The October offer sits 14% below the June offer and back below the February level. For context, 44% ore CIF China averaged US$4.50 per dmtu across 2025, according to USGS citing CRU, and US$5.53 in 2024.
Multiply the dmtu price by the Mn grade. US$4.70 x 44.5 = US$209.15 per dry tonne. Read our full explanation in the manganese ore price calculation guide.
Manganese ore price per tonne by grade
Using October 2026 CIF China offers, converted to US$ per dry tonne:
| Grade | Offer (US$/dmtu) | US$ per dry tonne |
|---|---|---|
| Australia lump, 46% Mn | 4.90 | 225.40 |
| Gabon lump, 44.5% Mn | 4.70 | 209.15 |
| Gabon chips, 43% Mn | 4.50 | 193.50 |
Prices per dry tonne. Wet tonnes cost less per tonne because part of the weight is water. Freight, insurance and port costs to destinations outside China change the delivered figure.
China port market
China takes the largest share of seaborne manganese ore, so Chinese port prices lead the market. China imported 29.6 million tonnes of manganese ore from January to November 2025, up 10.4% year on year, according to Shanghai Metals Market.
- Range-bound prices: Mysteel reported on 20 October that Chinese manganese ore prices turned range bound on weak downstream demand, while miners pushed offers higher on cost pressure.
- Weak alloy demand: Silicomanganese and ferromanganese plants buy hand to mouth while alloy prices stay soft, which limits ore price gains.
- Slow spot sales: Late September trade at Tianjin was thin, with buyers waiting for clearer direction.
India market
MOIL, India's largest manganese ore producer, raised prices by 5% for October 2026 across ferro grades above and below 44% Mn, chemical grades, SMGR grades and fines. EMD prices stayed unchanged at Rs 1,80,000 per tonne. Indian market reports also showed import offers rising across key origins in October.
A domestic rise in India alongside falling seaborne offers to China points to regional divergence. Indian buyers comparing domestic and imported ore should run both on a delivered, per-unit basis.
What is driving manganese ore prices
Outlook for November 2026
Producers had not published November offers to China at the time of this update. Two forces pull in opposite directions:
- Support: miners pushing offers higher on cost pressure, firmer Indian prices and import offers.
- Pressure: weak alloy demand in China, hand-to-mouth buying and thin spot trade.
Our read: expect flat to slightly firmer offers in the near term unless Chinese alloy demand improves. We will update this page when November and December offers are published.
Prices change monthly and differ by lot, grade, impurities and contract terms. For a firm price on your specification, request a quotation.
What the October prices mean for buyers
Planning a first purchase? Read our step-by-step guide on how to import manganese ore.
Get a manganese ore price for your grade
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Frequently asked questions
What is the price of manganese ore in October 2026?
High-grade 44.5% Mn Gabonese lump was offered at US$4.70 per dmtu CIF China for October 2026 shipment, about US$209 per dry tonne. Australian 46% lump was offered at US$4.90 per dmtu, about US$225 per dry tonne.
What is the manganese ore price per ton?
Multiply the dmtu price by the Mn grade. At US$4.70 per dmtu, 44.5% ore costs about US$209 per dry tonne CIF China. Lower grades cost less per tonne. Freight to other destinations changes the delivered price.
Why are manganese ore prices falling in 2026?
Offers to China fell from US$5.45 per dmtu for June shipment to US$4.70 for October because of weak silicomanganese and ferromanganese demand, high port stocks and slow spot trade in China.
Will manganese ore prices rise in November 2026?
Miners are pushing offers higher on cost pressure, and Indian prices rose in October. Weak Chinese alloy demand limits gains. Expect flat to slightly firmer offers unless alloy demand improves.
What was the average manganese ore price in 2025?
44% manganese ore averaged US$4.50 per dmtu CIF China in 2025, according to USGS citing CRU, down from US$5.53 in 2024.
Did MOIL raise manganese ore prices in October 2026?
Yes. MOIL raised prices by 5% from 1 October 2026 for ferro grades, chemical grades, SMGR grades and fines. EMD prices stayed unchanged.
How often is this price page updated?
Pure Talcum updates this page each month after producers publish new offers to China.
Related resources
Sources
Mysteel manganese ore updates. Producer offers to China and Tianjin port prices.
Jupiter Mines manganese price information. Shanghai Metals Market north China port price, 19 October 2026.
PSU Connect: MOIL raises prices 5% for October 2026.
Shanghai Metals Market: China manganese ore imports 2025.
USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Manganese. Annual average prices and world production.
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