Electrolytic Manganese Metal Flake Price 2026 : Export Trend

The 2026 Tianjin electrolytic manganese export reference did not move in one direction throughout the first seven months. Prices declined sharply in January, recovered, entered a second correction in February and then increased through March and April.

After reaching the year-to-date high on April 28, the price range moved lower during May, remained relatively stable in June and declined again in July.

When you compare this market reference with a formal EMM flake quotation, the date and price per ton are not enough. You also need to check whether the purity, impurity limits, flake condition, fines, packing and delivery basis are the same.

The table below summarizes the visible price points from the original chart.

Tianjin electrolytic manganese export price references from January 1 to July 16, 2026. Source: China Ferroalloy Online. The chart shows market reference quotations rather than confirmed transaction prices.

January: Sharp Decline and Fast Rebound

At the beginning of January, the visible range was approximately USD 2,640–2,665/MT. The price then declined rapidly and reached approximately USD 2,520–2,530/MT around the middle of the month.

The market recovered shortly afterward and returned to approximately USD 2,600–2,630/MT. We describe this movement as a sharp correction followed by a fast rebound, rather than a stable one-way decline.

February: A Second Price Correction

The January rebound did not immediately establish a stable higher range. During February, the upper reference moved back to approximately USD 2,560/MT, while the lower reference declined to around USD 2,530/MT.

The lower range remained visible for a period before the next increase began. This second correction shows that the early-year market was still unstable.

March to April: Recovery to the Year-to-Date High

From late February, the price reference moved upward in several stages. By the middle of March, the visible range had reached approximately USD 2,650–2,680/MT.

The range continued to rise in April. On April 28, the chart showed an upper reference of USD 2,720/MT and a lower reference of USD 2,700/MT, marking the highest visible level in the January–July period.

From our observation, the market remained at several new levels before reaching the late-April peak. The chart confirms the upward movement, but it does not prove that one single production or demand factor caused the full increase.

May to June: Gradual Pullback and Stabilization

After the April high, the price range moved lower in several steps. By late May, the visible reference was approximately USD 2,640–2,660/MT.

The range then remained relatively stable through June. We do not describe this movement as a sudden market collapse. It was a gradual correction from the late-April high.

July: Further Decline from the April Peak

The chart recorded another downward adjustment in July. By July 16, the visible export reference was approximately USD 2,610–2,630/MT.

The July range was approximately USD 90/MT below the April high, but it remained above the lowest range recorded in January. We describe the January–July movement as an early-year correction, a strong March–April recovery and a gradual pullback after the late-April peak.

The chart shows when the price changed, but it does not independently prove why every movement occurred. When we evaluate the EMM market, we look at production costs, available material, downstream purchasing and export conditions together.

Manganese Raw Materials, Electricity and Production Costs

When we review EMM production costs, we consider manganese raw materials, sulfuric acid, electricity, recovery, labor, environmental-control costs and plant operating conditions.

The cost per tonne is not the same for every production line. Ore grade, electricity consumption, recovery and equipment condition can all change the actual cost.

For this reason, we do not use one raw-material price alone to explain the full change in the electrolytic manganese metal flake price.

Production Schedules and Available Inventory

When available inventory increases, more material enters the spot market and quotation competition usually becomes stronger. When production or inventory declines, low-priced material becomes harder to secure.

Maintenance, production adjustments and environmental-control requirements can also change the amount of material available during a specific period.

We treat inventory and production schedules as important market signals, but we do not assume that every price movement comes directly from a shortage or surplus.

Stainless Steel and Alloy Purchasing

Electrolytic manganese metal is used where controlled manganese addition and low impurity levels are required. When we evaluate demand, we look at stainless-steel production, alloy production, purchasing schedules and raw-material inventory together.

A short period of restocking can support transactions without creating long-term price growth. In the same way, slower purchasing can place pressure on quotations even when production costs remain stable.

We therefore avoid using one downstream indicator as a complete explanation for the 2026 trend.

Freight, Exchange Rates and Export Terms

The Tianjin export reference is not the same as a simple factory price. A formal export quotation may include inland transport, port handling, container loading, documentation and other agreed costs.

Exchange rates and sea freight can also change the final amount you pay. An EXW price, an FOB Tianjin price and a CIF destination price should not be compared as though they include the same costs.

The market chart gives you a general export reference. Our formal quotation must be based on the exact material you need.

We confirm the following points with you before calculating the price.

We do not copy a market chart and use it as your formal price. The chart does not contain enough information to calculate the cost of a specific order.

When we prepare your quotation, we calculate the price after confirming:

• Manganese purity and impurity limits
• Flake condition and fines allowance
• Purchase quantity
• Packing and moisture protection
• Batch testing and inspection requirements
• Destination and trade term
• Required shipment schedule

Two quotations issued on the same date may therefore be different without either one being incorrect. The important question is whether both offers use the same specification and delivery basis.

When you compare two EMM flake offers, do not begin with the price per ton alone. First confirm that both offers use the same purity, impurity limits, flake condition, packing and trade term.

Why the Lowest Price May Not Give You the Lowest Usable Cost

A lower price may include wider impurity limits, more fines, weaker moisture protection or a longer delivery schedule.

What matters is the cost of the EMM flake that arrives, passes your agreed inspection and can be used in your production.

We treat the following outlook as a scenario assessment rather than a guaranteed forecast. The next direction will depend on production costs, available inventory, downstream purchasing and export conditions.

We do not use a general market number as your formal price. Before quotation, we confirm your purity, impurity limits, flake condition, fines allowance, quantity, packing, inspection, destination and shipment schedule.

Before shipment, we confirm the batch composition, packing condition and related quality documents according to the agreed order requirements.

What Was the EMM Flake Price on July 16, 2026?

The available Tianjin export chart showed a visible range of approximately USD 2,610–2,630/MT on July 16, 2026. This was a market reference rather than our executable quotation.

What Was the Highest Electrolytic Manganese Price in 2026?

The highest visible range in the January–July chart was USD 2,700–2,720/MT on April 28, 2026.

Was the Chart Price for Mn99.7 or Mn99.9 EMM Flakes?

The original chart did not state a specific manganese purity. We therefore do not define the visible range as an Mn99.7, Mn99.8 or Mn99.9 price.

Why Can Two EMM Flake Quotations Be Different?

The offers may use different purity levels, impurity limits, flake conditions, fines allowances, quantities, packing methods, inspection requirements or trade terms.

Does the EMM Flake Price Include Freight?

The included costs depend on the trade term. EXW, FOB, CFR and CIF quotations do not include the same transport, port and freight costs.

What Information Do We Need Before Quotation?

We need your required manganese purity, impurity limits, flake condition, fines allowance, quantity, packing, destination port, trade term and delivery schedule.

Can We Provide a Batch COA?

We can provide a batch COA according to the agreed order and testing requirements. You can also discuss third-party inspection with us before order confirmation.

To prepare a comparable quotation for you, we need:

• Required manganese purity
• C, S, P, Fe, Si, Se and other impurity limits
• Flake condition or size requirement
• Maximum fines allowance
• Purchase quantity
• Packing method
• Destination port
• Required trade term
• Expected delivery schedule