[SMM Nickel Midday Review] Nickel prices edged down on May 25, PBOC conducted 600 billion yuan MLF operation

Published: May 25, 2026 13:31

Save

SMM Nickel News May 25:

Macro and market news:

(1) Waller was sworn in, emphasizing that the US Fed will be "reform-oriented"; US Fed Governor Waller: The current stance is to keep rates stable in the near term. If inflation expectations become unanchored, rate hikes will be needed.

(2) The PBOC announced that to maintain ample liquidity in the banking system, on May 25, 2026, the People's Bank of China will conduct a 600 billion yuan MLF operation with a fixed quantity, rate tender, and multiple-price winning method, with a tenor of 1 year.

Spot market:

On May 25, SMM #1 refined nickel prices rose 500 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Spot premiums: Jinchuan #1 refined nickel averaged 1,150 yuan/mt, down 100 yuan/mt from the previous trading day, while domestic mainstream brand electrodeposited nickel ranged from -400 to 500 yuan/mt.

Futures market:

The most-traded SHFE nickel 2606 contract moved sideways in a narrow range during the morning session, closing at 143,810 yuan/mt, up 0.23%.

Global visible inventory of refined nickel remains at high levels, and weak consumption is unable to quickly digest the surplus inventory. Nickel prices lack upward momentum, and the most-traded SHFE nickel contract is expected to move sideways within the range of 140,000-150,000 yuan/mt.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Common.Time.minsAgo

[SMM Nickel Market Flash] Indonesia-Philippines Nickel Link Targets Ore Supply and Downstream Integration

One of the core objectives of the Indonesia-Philippines nickel corridor is to better connect Philippine ore resources with Indonesia’s downstream processing capacity. The report said the arrangement could strengthen feedstock security for Indonesia’s expanding HPAL and refining system, while giving the Philippines a faster route to benefit from higher-value regional exports through Indonesia’s processing hub. The initiative is also seen as a signal that Southeast Asia is seeking stronger bargaining power in the global nickel and EV battery supply chain.

Common.Time.minsAgo

[SMM Nickel Market Flash] Indonesia and the Philippines Launch Nickel Corridor Initiative

Indonesia and the Philippines have formally launched a “nickel corridor” initiative during a high-level business roundtable in Cebu. The report said the cooperation is being advanced by APNI and PNIA and will focus on data sharing, cross-border investment, and ESG alignment, with the aim of moving both countries beyond raw material exports toward a more coordinated regional nickel supply chain.

Common.Time.minsAgo

[SMM Nickel Market Flash] Western Mines Intersects Higher-Grade Nickel Zones at Mulga Tank

Western Mines Group said hole MTD031 at the Mulga Tank Project also returned several higher-grade nickel intersections, including 6 m at 1.02% nickel from 259 m and 8 m at 0.81% nickel from 298 m. These intervals were also associated with elevated cobalt, copper, and platinum-palladium values. The results suggest deeper enriched zones may remain open and could support further delineation of higher-grade mineralisation.

Common.Time.minsAgo