[Ferro-Alloys.com]As steelmakers in China proceeded to new round purchase on manganese alloy for December, it seems that alloy producers have less confidence on future market. Despit reducing output in south areas, given comparatively steady supply in north area, it estimated that alloys may still face another downturn by a very small margin amid falling operation rates for steel mills partly because of environment protection.

Currently pricing at RMB6,000-6,200/mt and RMB5,300-5,400/mt for 6014. High carbon ferromanganese 65 is now concentrating on 5,300-5,500/mt. Medium carbon ferromanganese 75C2.0 with low p containing is focusing on RMB8,100-8,200/mt while RMB8,400-8,500/mt for 78C2.0 as well as RMB8,800-9,000/mt for 78C1.5. Low carbon ferromanganese 80C0.7 is traded at RMB9,500-9,600/mt.

In terms of alloy producers running situation, rising cost in south areas for power price contributed to further low operation rates, while the situation is totally different in north area. By convenient transport and cheap power price, manganes alloy output in Inner Mongolia developed by leaps and bounds. Meanwhile, the biggest silicon manganese producer in Ningxia area also kept normal running.

In short, it is said that Shagang group put initial purchasing price on silicon manganese 6517 for December lower to RMB6,480/mt with 15,000 tons from RMB6,500/mt with 16,000 tons. Despite HBIS failed to releasing result, given the fluctuation margain narrowed to RMB10-50/mt from RMB50-100/mt, it is estimated that manganese alloy changes would be very small in the near future.  

• [Editor:Sophie]