SHANGHAI, Feb 9 (SMM) - Pure nickel consumption by the major Chinese nickel-based alloy manufacturers totalled 6,084 mt in January, up 1.35% MoM, which was in line with expectations. In December 2022, due to the relaxation of the COVID-19 control measures, the operating rates of alloy companies fell. In January 2023, some enterprises stopped production for Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday and the consumption of pure nickel decreased. In February, it is estimated that the consumption of pure nickel by the nickel-based alloy sector will grow to 6,575 mt, up 8.07% from the previous month. However, according to SMM research, alloy enterprises are generally not optimistic about the orders placed by downstream companies in February, mainly because high nickel prices arouse a wait-and-see sentiment among the consumers, hence the alloy manufacturers may cut their production intentionally. Therefore, the increase in pure nickel consumption in February will be contributed by the production resumption post CNY holiday rather than the improvement of orders.
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