China Dominates Global Manganese Carbonate Market – Key Supplier Insights
China Emerges as a Major Global Producer and Consumer of Manganese Carbonate, with Promising Growth Prospects in Non-Industrial Grade Markets
I. Industry Definitions
Manganese carbonate, also known as manganese(II) carbonate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula MnCO₃. It is soluble in dilute acids but insoluble in water and ethanol. Manganese carbonate serves as a raw material for producing soft ferrite used in telecommunications equipment, synthesizing manganese dioxide, and manufacturing other manganese salts. It is also used as a desulfurization catalyst, a pigment in ceramics, coatings, and varnishes, as well as a fertilizer and feed additive. Additionally, it finds applications in pharmaceuticals, welding rod auxiliaries, and as a raw material for electrolytic manganese metal production.
According to the *China Manganese Carbonate Industry Development Status Analysis and Investment Prospects Research Report (2024-2031)* released by the Guanyan Research Network, manganese carbonate is a key material for soft ferrite in telecommunications, manganese dioxide synthesis, and other manganese salts. It functions as an oxidizing agent in desulfurization, a pigment in ceramics and paints, and an additive in fertilizers and feed. It is also used in pharmaceuticals, welding electrodes, and as a raw material for producing electrolytic manganese metal.
II. Industry Development Status
1. Market Size
As one of the world's leading producers and consumers of manganese carbonate, China's market size is directly influenced by downstream industry demand. With the rapid growth of strategic emerging industries such as new energy and advanced materials, the demand for high-quality, high-performance manganese carbonate has surged. Notably, the battery manufacturing industry has a particularly urgent need for manganese carbonate, as it is a crucial component of cathode materials. In 2023, driven by rising downstream demand and reduced manganese ore supply, China's manganese carbonate market grew to CNY 6.623 billion, reaching CNY 3.382 billion in the first half of 2024.
Figure 1. 2019-2024H1 China MnCO3 Industry Market Size
2. Supply Scale
Globally, manganese carbonate production is concentrated in China, South Africa, Australia, and Brazil—countries with abundant manganese ore resources. In China, production capacity is primarily located in Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hunan, regions rich in manganese reserves and technological expertise. With advancements in technology and stricter environmental regulations, China's manganese carbonate industry is transitioning toward greener and more efficient production methods.
As a leading global producer, China holds a dominant position in manganese carbonate output, with an annual production capacity of approximately 300,000 tons. In recent years, production has steadily increased, fueled by rising demand from new energy and advanced material industries.
Figure 2. 2019-2024H1 China MnCO3 Production capacity
3. Demand Scale
The demand for manganese carbonate has grown consistently due to its wide applications in key sectors such as batteries, metallurgy, chemicals, and agriculture. In 2023, China's manganese carbonate sales reached 297,000 tons, with 151,000 tons sold in 2024.
Figure 3. 2019-2024H1 China MnCO3 Demand Scale
4. Supply-Demand Balance Analysis
Currently, the manganese carbonate market is generally balanced. However, seasonal fluctuations may occur—supply tightness during peak demand periods (e.g., new energy vehicle production surges) and oversupply during off-seasons.
Figure 4. 2019-2024H1 China MnCO3 Current Period Inventory
III. Market Segmentation
1. Industrial-Grade Manganese Carbonate
Industrial-grade manganese carbonate is primarily used in agriculture, feed, ceramics, and glass manufacturing. It enhances the hardness and durability of ceramic and glass products while serving as a micronutrient in fertilizers. Although widely used, its lower purity results in a smaller market size (approximately CNY X billion in 2023).
Figure 5. 2019-2024H1 China Industrial MnCO3 Market Scale
2. Non-Industrial-Grade Manganese Carbonate
Non-industrial-grade manganese carbonate includes battery-grade, fine chemical, and analytical chemical applications. High-purity electronic-grade manganese carbonate is essential for electronic components and semiconductor materials. Driven by rising demand from the battery sector, China's non-industrial-grade manganese carbonate market expanded to CNY 4.669 billion in 2023, reaching CNY 2.398 billion in H1 2024.
Figure 6. 2019-2024H1 China Non-Industrial MnCO3 Market Scale
(All data soucring from chinabaogao.com)