The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Guangdong Nachuan New Materials Co., Ltd.'s relocation project was officially approved. The facility is designed for an annual output of 150,000 wear-resistant stainless steel parts, alongside 25,000 cast iron units and 26,000 alloy steel units. This approval paves the way for the company to scale up its high-performance material production, strengthening its supply capacity for industrial wear-resistant components.

This week, ferrous metals were in the doldrums. On the first day after the holiday resumption, due to the impact of overseas risk events during the long holiday—primarily the US's plan to impose new tariffs on approximately six industries (including large batteries, cast iron and iron fittings, plastic pipes, industrial chemicals, as well as power grid and telecommunications equipment) and the escalation of US-Iran tensions—overall sentiment fluctuated significantly, and ferrous futures also touched recent lows. Mid-week, with some steel mills in the Tangshan area receiving notifications for voluntary emission reductions during the Two Sessions, coupled with Shanghai's adjustment of housing purchase restrictions and rumors of favorable real estate policies during the Two Sessions, futures rebounded from lows, showing significant sector resonance effects. However, as the weekend approached, no new favorable policies emerged, and futures retreated once again.

SMM Nickel Market News on February 24: Macro and Market News: (1) On February 23, US media reported that the US government is considering imposing new tariffs on approximately six industries on the grounds of "national security." The proposed tariffs may cover large-scale batteries, cast iron and iron fittings, plastic pipes, industrial chemicals, as well as power grid and telecommunications equipment. These new tariffs will be implemented separately from the recently announced global 15% tariff measures. (2) A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced: At the invitation of Premier Li Qiang of the State Council, German Chancellor Merz will pay an official visit to China from February 25 to 26. Spot Market: On February 24, the price range for SMM #1 refined nickel was 137,300-147,700 yuan/mt, with an average price of 142,500 yuan/mt, up 2,400 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. The spot premium quotation range for Jinchuan #1 refined nickel was 8,300-9,500 yuan/mt, with an average premium of 8,900 yuan/mt, up 50 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. The spot premium/discount quotation range for mainstream domestic brands of electrodeposited nickel was -400-400 yuan/mt. Futures Market: On the first trading day after the Chinese New Year holiday, the nickel market got off to a good start. The most-traded SHFE nickel contract (2603) opened higher and continued to rise, showing strong performance. By the end of the morning session, it was quoted at 138,590 yuan/mt, up 1.77%. During the holiday, LME nickel prices rose slightly, and the SHFE nickel market saw a catch-up rally today. During the holiday, a landslide occurred at the IMIP industrial park in Indonesia, resulting in casualties and further intensifying market concerns over supply disruptions. In the short term, the most-traded SHFE nickel contract is expected to break through the 140,000 yuan/mt level again, but upside potential remains constrained by high inventory.

On the 23rd local time, US media reported that the US government is considering imposing new tariffs on about six industries on the grounds of "national security." The proposed tariffs may cover industries such as large batteries, cast iron and iron fittings, plastic pipes, industrial chemicals, as well as power grid and telecommunications equipment. These new tariffs will be implemented separately from the recently announced global 15% tariff measures.

At the 2025 SMM (2nd) Global Recycled Metal Industry Chain Summit - Main Forum hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., Dr. Somthai Wongcharoen, Secretary General of the ASEAN Institution of Recycling (AIR), shared insights on the topic of "Green Transformation and Sustainable Development Prospect of Thailand's Recycled Metals Industry."

On May 22, 2025, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) voted to issue an affirmative final determination on industry injury in the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of high chrome cast iron grinding media imported from India, concluding that the products alleged to be dumped and subsidized caused material injury or a threat of material injury to the domestic industry in the US. Based on the ITC's affirmative final determination, the US Department of Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on the products in question from India. This case primarily involves products classified under US HS code 7325.91.0000. On May 16, 2024, the US Department of Commerce initiated antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on high chrome cast iron grinding media imported from India. On April 22, 2025, the US Department of Commerce issued final antidumping and countervailing duty determinations on high chrome cast iron grinding media imported from India. (Compiled from: Official Website of the US International Trade Commission) Original text: https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2025/er0522_67016.ht