Australia's Port Hedland reported a significant increase in manganese ore shipments in March, reaching 120,000 metric tons. This marks a 122.2 percent rise compared to February and a 9.1 percent growth year on year, according to data released by the Port Hedland Port Authority.

In the same period, China accounted for 58.3 percent of the shipments, followed by Malaysia at 23.3 percent, Vietnam at 13.7 percent, and South Korea at 4.7 percent.

Port Hedland serves as a key hub for the manganese ore-rich Pilbara region, handling production from mines owned by BHP Billiton, Fortescue Metals Group, and Atlas Manganese.