Japan's manganese alloys imports fall sharply in May'23 on lower steel output

Japan's total manganese alloys imports fell m-o-m in May'23. Japan, the third largest steel producer globally, is witnessing a continuous decline in its steel production, which could be a probable reason for declining imports of manganese alloys. Japan's crude steel output was recorded at 7.6 million tonnes (mnt) in May.

Ferro manganese imports down 86%

• Ferro manganese imports into Japan decreased by 85% m-o-m in May to 1,645 t in comparison with 11,527 t recorded in April.
  
  
• India (901 t) catered to a major chunk of imports by Japan in May.
  
  
• Cumulative imports over January-May'23 were recorded at 27,586 t, falling by 37% y-o-y.
  
  

Silico manganese imports drop 16%

• Silico manganese imports into Japan decreased by 16% m-o-m in May to 17,215 t in comparison with 20,564 t recorded in April.
  
  
• The major exporting countries were India (7,873 t), Malaysia (5,666 t), Vietnam (2,052 t) and Australia (548 t).
  
  
• Total imports in the January-May period were recorded at 92,120 t, down 22% y-o-y.
  
  

Manganese ore imports fall 44%

• Manganese ore imports into Japan decreased by 44% m-o-m in May to 61,072 t in comparison with 109,819 t recorded in April.
  
  
• South Africa (61,052 t) was the major exporter in May.
  
  
• Cumulative imports over the January-May period were recorded at 442,262 t, an increase of 5% y-o-y.