What is driving the demand for high-nitrogen manganese nitride in steelmaking?

What is driving the demand for high-nitrogen manganese nitride in steelmaking?
High-nitrogen manganese nitride is gaining traction as a cost-effective nitrogen and manganese additive in specialty steel production. Chinese producers like Fengda Alloy have developed proprietary processes that substitute expensive alloying elements with nitrogen-manganese combinations, cutting costs while improving steel properties. The product is particularly valued in high-end steel grades requiring precise nitrogen control. Domestic capacity is concentrated among a few specialized producers, with Fengda leading in scale and technology. Export demand spans 30+ countries, including Italy, Saudi Arabia, and the Netherlands, with strong relationships with global top-500 steelmakers. The product's energy efficiency has improved dramatically, with per-ton electricity consumption dropping to one-tenth of earlier levels, supporting competitive pricing.