Rising Nickel Ore Costs Push Up NPI Production, Squeeze Smelter Profits

Published: Mar 13, 2026 17:56
[SMM Nickel Flash] Raw material side, nickel ore costs were still rising, driving high-grade NPI production costs to maintain an upward trend. Meanwhile, the increase in high-grade NPI prices slowed down, putting pressure on smelter profit margins.

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[SMM Nickel Flash] Although end-user demand provided weak support, supported by costs, the price center of high-grade NPI continued to move upward and only came under brief pressure after a sharp plunge in the futures market. Looking ahead, smelter production costs and traders' inventory holding costs remain high, and high-grade NPI prices are expected to stay supported.
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