锰硅上涨动能不足

Core Viewpoint - The manganese silicon market is experiencing a rebound in prices due to tightening supply and improved market sentiment, despite ongoing demand weakness and cost pressures [1][4]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - Manganese silicon supply has tightened significantly, with production cuts initiated by manufacturers since mid-March due to long-term losses. As of May 16, the operating rate of 187 independent manganese silicon enterprises dropped to 33.60%, with daily output at 23,250 tons, marking a decline of 17.93 percentage points and 6,230 tons from previous highs [2]. - The number of operating manganese silicon enterprises decreased from 98 in March to approximately 76, a reduction of 22.45%, and the number of operational furnaces fell from 218 to around 170, a decrease of 22.02%, indicating an ongoing trend of production cuts [2]. - Despite the tightening supply, new production capacity is still being released, and the overall supply surplus in the industry remains unchanged. If profit margins improve, companies may resume production increases [2]. Demand Trends - Demand for manganese silicon is weakening, primarily due to a slowdown in steel production activities. As of May 16, the operating rate and capacity utilization of 247 steel mills fell to 84.15% and 91.76%, respectively, with weekly steel output at 8.6835 million tons, translating to a manganese silicon weekly demand of 125,600 tons, which has declined for two consecutive weeks [3]. - Steel mills are exhibiting cautious purchasing behavior, with bidding prices reported at 5,700 yuan per ton, below market expectations, reflecting reduced demand for manganese silicon [3]. - The weakening demand is attributed to two main factors: pressure on steel mill profitability due to low steel prices and the seasonal downturn in steel demand, compounded by ongoing adjustments in the real estate market and limited growth in infrastructure investment [3]. Cost Pressures - Manganese silicon production cuts are primarily driven by long-term losses, but since mid-March, falling manganese ore prices have reduced production costs, exerting downward pressure on manganese silicon prices [4]. - The reduction in manganese silicon production has led to decreased demand for manganese ore, while expectations for supply increases are rising, particularly with the anticipated recovery of shipments from Australian miner South32 [4]. - Overall, despite recent market sentiment improvements and supply tightening driving a price rebound, ongoing demand weakness and cost pressures suggest that manganese silicon prices lack sustained upward momentum [4].