SMM High-Grade NPI Sentiment Index Dips, Market Tension Persists Amid Sluggish Transactions

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has officially released the benchmark mineral price (HMA) for the second half of July 2026. The HMA for this period is as follows: nickel price at US$16,533.67/tonne (down from US$17,593.33/tonne in the first half of July 2026), representing a decrease of US$1,059.66/tonne, or 6.02%. Meanwhile, the benchmark prices for other minerals are: cobalt at US$55,863.00/tonne, iron ore at US$1.44/tonne, and chromite ore at US$6.37/tonne. According to SMM's internal calculation model, based on simulations for pyrometallurgical ore (20% Fe, 1% Cr, 0.05% Co) and hydrometallurgical ore (45% Fe, 2% Cr, 0.10% Co), the benchmark nickel ore prices (HPM) for different grades have changed as follows: - Ni 1.2%: US$45.25/wmt (down US$2.15) - Ni 1.3%: US$49.44/wmt (down US$2.42) - Ni 1.4%: US$53.60/wmt (down US$2.97) - Ni 1.5%: US$58.23/wmt (down US$3.27) - Ni 1.6%: US$63.06/wmt (down US$3.58)

The following table shows the ferrous and nonferrous metals movement on the SHFE and DCE on 15 Jul , 2026

[SMM Nickel Flash] July 15 – Currently, most merchants, affected by the uncertain future market direction, are only trading fixed premiums driven by expectations of tight forward supply, without offering fixed-price quotes. In the short term, the market is still expected to see few large spot order transactions, while spot high-grade NPI prices have limited downside.