Q1 Manganese and Chrome Supply: Tracking African Logistics Recovery and Price Corrections

The severe logistical bottlenecks that disrupted manganese and chrome shipments from southern Africa during late 2025 are showing signs of gradual improvement in January 2026. Transnet, South Africa's state-owned freight transport rail utility, reported a 14% increase in weekly ore train movements along the crucial Hotazel-to-Gqeberha rail corridor following the completion of emergency infrastructure maintenance.

Consequently, manganese ore prices (44% Mn grade) experienced a minor downward correction, easing from their December peak to $4.95 per dry metric tonne unit (dmtu) CIF Europe. Chrome ore prices followed a similar trajectory, stabilizing at $285 per tonne. However, port efficiency at the Port of Ngqura remains below optimal levels, with vessel waiting times averaging 4 days.

While the physical flow of material to European ferroalloy producers is recovering, GranTi market intelligence warns against over-optimism. The logistics system remains fragile and vulnerable to any disruptions. Importers are entering the post-holiday manufacturing restart with depleted safety stocks, meaning that spot market volatility will remain highly responsive to any unforeseen rail or port delays throughout the remainder of Q1.