Every $10 increase in crude oil prices is expected to raise the per-ton extraction cost of large iron ore mines by an average of $0.3, while the cost for small mines is expected to rise by about $2.85. High-cost small mines, especially iron concentrate producers, will be very vulnerable when facing cost shocks, and mines with different product types will face varying degrees of impact.

According to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs, SMM statistics showed that China's total manganese ore imports in March 2026 were 3.1837 million mt, up 38.03% MoM and up 64.86% YoY. Total manganese ore imports from January to March 2026 were approximately 8.9327 million mt, up 3.0717 million mt YoY (approximately 5.8611 million mt imported from January to March 2025), up 52.41% YoY. In March, imports by origin were: Australia (395,700 mt, down 4.2% MoM), South Africa (1.8537 million mt, up 87.16% MoM), Gabon (452,300 mt, up 20.58% MoM), Ghana (196,700 mt, down 27.26% MoM), Brazil (94,800 mt, down 4.91% MoM), and Myanmar (53,900 mt, up 7.99% MoM).

According to market reports, European stainless mills are facing mounting cost pressure from both geopolitics and raw materials. Concerns linked to the US-Iran conflict are adding uncertainty to energy and input costs, while 304 scrap has climbed to €1,400/t delivered across most EU countries this month. The continued rise in costs is becoming a key support factor for higher stainless steel prices in Europe.

According to Counterpoint, memory prices surged significantly in H2 2025, bringing notable cost pressure to the global smartphone industry and particularly impacting the low-end market. Sales of smartphones priced below $150 declined 11% YoY in H2 2025. As OEM shipments of low and mid-end models were highly dependent on ODM/IDH, this cost-driven market downturn inevitably transmitted to the ODM-IDH sector. According to Counterpoint Research data, shipments of smartphones designed by ODM/IDH enterprises fell sharply by 10% YoY in H2 2025, ending two consecutive years of growth.

[Short-Term Supply-Demand Resonance, Bullish Trend in Aluminum Prices Continues] Overall, the Middle East negotiation process experienced repeated setbacks, but the supply gap outside China and continued LME inventory drawdown supported LME prices to hold up well. China's aluminum ingot inventory remained at elevated levels, and attention should be paid to whether a turning point in domestic inventory can materialize smoothly.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) revised the HPM nickel ore formula in Quarter 2 of 2026, significantly raising the adjustment factor and including cobalt, iron, and chromium in pricing for the first time. This shift will increase base prices across all grades, particularly for low-grade ores used in hydrometallurgy, placing heavy cost pressure on the stainless steel and new energy industries. Supply remains tight due to delayed mining quota approvals and rising refining costs. Following the policy signal, international nickel futures have surged through key resistance levels. Analysts suggest that high raw material costs may become the new norm, with potential for further price hikes if refined nickel output drops or policy impacts exceed market expectations.

[SMM Stainless Steel Daily Review] Indonesia nickel ore news continues to boost stainless steel futures, which hold up well On April 16, SMM reported that SS futures continued to hold up well. News related to Indonesian nickel ore continued to boost market sentiment, driving SS futures to maintain a fluctuating trend on the strong side. As of the morning close, the most-traded SS contract was quoted at 14,810 yuan/mt. On the spot market front, SS futures largely held firm at elevated levels. Although actual order transactions from downstream end-user clients remained lackluster, with a cautious stance still prevailing toward purchasing high-priced cargoes, some futures-spot arbitrage orders traded actively. Combined with some traders offering discounts on select specifications to facilitate shipments, the market was broadly confident and bullish on the outlook, and stainless steel prices are expected to remain firm in the near term. The most-traded SS futures contract strengthened and moved higher. At 10:15 AM, SS2605 was quoted at 14,798 yuan/mt, down 20 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Spot premiums for 304/2B in the Wuxi area ranged from 30-230 yuan/mt. In the spot market, the average price of cold-rolled 201/2B coil in Wuxi held steady; for cold-rolled untrimmed 304/2B coil, the average price in Wuxi held steady and the average price in Foshan held steady; cold-rolled 316L/2B coil in the Wuxi area held steady; for hot-rolled 316L/NO.1 coil, Wuxi quotes rose by 100 yuan/mt; cold-rolled 430/2B coil in both Wuxi and Foshan held steady. The stainless steel market is currently in the traditional peak season of "Golden March and Silver April." In the short term, macro tailwinds have helped restore confidence, and spot inquiry activity has picked up. However, cautious sentiment among downstream end-users has not dissipated, with purchasing still driven mainly by rigid demand and acceptance of high-priced cargoes remaining...

[SMM Chrome Daily Review: Wait-and-See Sentiment Prevailed, Chrome Market Prices Edged Down] April 16, 2026: The ferrochrome and chrome ore market showed no fluctuations for the time being...

[SMM Titanium Express] LB Group has issued another titanium dioxide price increase notice. Effective April 15, domestic prices will rise by RMB 1,500/ton and international prices by USD 200/ton, marking a significant acceleration in the pace of hikes amid persistent cost pressures and tightening supply-demand dynamics.

[SMM Stainless Steel Daily Review] Indonesia Nickel Ore HMP Price Adjustment Drives Stainless Steel Futures and Spot Prices Higher On April 15, SMM reported that SS futures continued their strong upward trend. The market was further influenced by the adjustment of Indonesia's nickel ore HMP benchmark price, with SHFE nickel and stainless steel futures strengthening further. As of the midday close, the most-traded SS contract was quoted at 14,850 yuan/mt. Spot market side, driven by the dual factors of SS futures successively breaking through yearly highs and rising NPI costs following the adjustment of Indonesia's nickel ore HMP benchmark price, cost support for stainless steel strengthened significantly. Market sentiment returned to an actively bullish stance, and intraday quotes were raised. However, against the backdrop of rapidly rising prices, downstream end-users remained cautious. Although inquiries were active intraday and cargo pick-up for earlier orders was solid, actual transactions remained cautious. The most-traded SS futures contract strengthened. At 10:15 AM, SS2605 was quoted at 14,810 yuan/mt, up 220 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Spot premiums for 304/2B in Wuxi ranged from 10-210 yuan/mt. In the spot market, the average price of cold-rolled 201/2B coils in Wuxi rose by 50 yuan/mt; for cold-rolled untrimmed 304/2B coils, the average price in Wuxi rose by 200 yuan/mt and in Foshan by 100 yuan/mt; cold-rolled 316L/2B coils in Wuxi rose by 200 yuan/mt; hot-rolled 316L/NO.1 coils in Wuxi rose by 150 yuan/mt; cold-rolled 430/2B coils in both Wuxi and Foshan remained stable. The current stainless steel market is in the traditional peak season of "Golden March and Silver April." In the short term, macro...