Downstream Purchasing Activity for Nickel Intermediate Products Increased, Tight Supply and Demand Drove Prices Higher

[SMM Analysis: Weak End-User Demand but Firm Costs, High-Grade NPI Prices Rose Steadily] The average SMM 10-12% high-grade NPI price rose 2.2 yuan/nickel unit WoW to 1,089.9 yuan/nickel unit (ex-factory, tax included), while the average Indonesian NPI FOB index price increased $0.39/nickel unit WoW to $138.93/nickel unit. This week, mainstream steel mills released tender prices, and the market came under brief pressure.

Affected by the supply-demand relationship, MHP and high-grade nickel matte nickel prices rose this week

As of now, Indonesia’s MHP nickel FOB price was $15,379/mt Ni, and Indonesia’s MHP cobalt FOB price was $49,879/mt Co. MHP payables (against the SMM battery-grade nickel sulphate index) were 86.5-87, and the MHP cobalt element payable indicator (against SMM refined cobalt (Rotterdam warehouse)) was 91. Indonesia’s high-grade nickel matte FOB price was $15,736/mt Ni.

[SMM Nickel Flash] After the holiday, refined nickel prices pulled back, while high-grade NPI prices remained elevated, and the average discount of high-grade NPI versus refined nickel narrowed to 336.7 yuan/nickel unit. High-grade NPI prices are expected to still have upside room next week, while refined nickel prices are expected to decline MoM. The average discount of high-grade NPI versus refined nickel is expected to continue narrowing; however, supported by new energy orders, the conversion of NPI to high-grade nickel matte still has momentum.

Intermediate Product Nickel Market Trading Was Sluggish, Awaiting Guidance From Papua New Guinea Tender Results