South Africa: Manganese ore exports fall nearly 30% m-o-m in October

South Africa's manganese ore exports were down 28% m-o-m to 1.22 million tonnes (mnt) in October 2022 compared to 1.70 mnt in September. The decline in exports from South Africa in October was primarily linked to the country's two-week-long strike that hampered regular rail and port operations, which led to lower shipments from mines, sources informed.
The major importing countries were China (850,000 t), followed by India (220,000 t), Singapore (60,000 t) and Latvia (50, 000 t). Meanwhile, in January-October 2022, exports were nearly stable y-o-y at 17.65 mnt compared to the corresponding period last year (CPLY).

• Exports to China down 30%
  Manganese ore imports by China fell by 30%. After a spike in September, China's imports of manganese ore reversed course in October.
  
  
• Exports to India rise 280%
  India imported 220,000 t of manganese ore in October, an increase of of 282% m-o-m. Manufacturers anticipated that demand for manganese alloys will increase due to improved demand post festive season, resulting in an increase in imports.
  
  
• Exports to South Korea up 35%
  South African manganese ore exports to South Korea increased by 35% m-o-m to 350,000 t in October. However, in the January-October period, cumulative exports fell by 19% to 520,000 t.