Demand for manganese and silicon alloys has been sluggish in the Japan's market in late August. Indian SiMn (65% Mn; 16% Si) has gone down in price to $1，050-1，080/t CIF Japan (down $25/t)， deals made at the bottom end of the price range most of all. HC FeMn (73% Mn) of Indian origin is now quoted at $1，000/t CIF Japan and the material produced in South Korea - at $1，030/t CIF Japan. Small batches (100-200 t) of the alloy from India have been sold at this price.

FeSi (75% Si) from China is offered at $1，340-1，350/t CIF Japan and illegal material - at $1，260-1，290/t CIF Japan. The latter is of no demand in Japan. An end user is holding a tender for supply of 1，000 t.

Some players think believe Japanese traders will startreplenishing stocks ahead of the quarterly contracting.Nonetheless， prices will not fluctuate due to healthy supply.

• [Editor:Sophie]