[NPI Daily Review] Macro Policies Drove a Rebound in Futures, High-Grade NPI Quotes Edged Up

Published: Mar 26, 2026 11:32
[SMM Daily Review: Macro Policies Drove a Rebound in Futures, with High-Grade NPI Quotes Edging Up] March 26 News: SMM's upstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.86, up 0.03 MoM, while the downstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 1.56, flat MoM.

SMM News Mar 26,

   Mar 26 News, SMM high-grade NPI market sentiment factor stood at 2.21, up 0.02 MoM; the upstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.86, up 0.03 MoM; and the downstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 1.56, flat MoM. Supply side, macro sentiment drove futures higher, and market sentiment improved somewhat, with upstream quotations showing renewed upward momentum. Demand side, against the economic comparison with steel scrap, steel mills still had limited demand for high-grade NPI and limited acceptance of high prices, and short-term market transactions were weak. Overall, futures drove a slight increase in market quotations, but there may still have been no feedback from actual transactions.

 

 

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
[SMM Nickel Midday Commentary] On March 26, influenced by expectations surrounding the policy of “Indonesia's proposed levy of a nickel export tax,” nickel prices rose significantly
34 mins ago
[SMM Nickel Midday Commentary] On March 26, influenced by expectations surrounding the policy of “Indonesia's proposed levy of a nickel export tax,” nickel prices rose significantly
Read More
[SMM Nickel Midday Commentary] On March 26, influenced by expectations surrounding the policy of “Indonesia's proposed levy of a nickel export tax,” nickel prices rose significantly
[SMM Nickel Midday Commentary] On March 26, influenced by expectations surrounding the policy of “Indonesia's proposed levy of a nickel export tax,” nickel prices rose significantly
34 mins ago
【SMM Flash News】Indonesia's HPM Forecasted to Decrease 1.37% in Early April
1 hour ago
【SMM Flash News】Indonesia's HPM Forecasted to Decrease 1.37% in Early April
Read More
【SMM Flash News】Indonesia's HPM Forecasted to Decrease 1.37% in Early April
【SMM Flash News】Indonesia's HPM Forecasted to Decrease 1.37% in Early April
SMM forecasts a marginal softening in the Indonesian domestic nickel ore benchmark (HPM) for the first half of April 2026, with prices expected to decline by 1.37%. This downward adjustment is primarily driven by a $236.56/dmt drop in the HMA, which is projected to settle at $17,093/dmt. Based on an MC35% calculation, the revised HPM targets across key grades are as follows: • Ni 1.2%: USD 17.33/wmt (↓ $0.24) • Ni 1.6%: USD 30.22/wmt (↓ $0.42) • Ni 1.7%: USD 34.00/wmt (↓ $0.47) • Ni 1.8%: USD 38.00/wmt (↓ $0.53) • Ni 2.0%: USD 46.66/wmt (↓ $0.65)
1 hour ago
【SMM Nickel Flash News】Nickel Industries Suspends Hengjaya Mine Operations Following Fatality
2 hours ago
【SMM Nickel Flash News】Nickel Industries Suspends Hengjaya Mine Operations Following Fatality
Read More
【SMM Nickel Flash News】Nickel Industries Suspends Hengjaya Mine Operations Following Fatality
【SMM Nickel Flash News】Nickel Industries Suspends Hengjaya Mine Operations Following Fatality
According to Nickel Industries Announcement, Nickel Industries Limited has officially suspended all operations at its Hengjaya Mine in Indonesia following a fatal incident reported on March 25, with a formal investigation by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) set to commence on March 27.
2 hours ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here