The cost side provided strong support to nickel sulphate prices
Firstly, MHP prices are going up again due to several factors. One reason is the MHP prices are lower than the production costs in overseas projects like Goro and First Quantum, leading to expectations of reduced or stopped production. The sentiment for raising raw material prices has surged.
Secondly, Huafei project has not yet reached full production, and there is no significant increase in the supply side.
Thirdly, there's a low supply of MHP in circulation. Nickel salt plants are keeping their raw material stocks low, aligning with a production strategy tied to sales. As nickel sulphate demand rises, so does the demand for MHP.
Fourthly, refined nickel producers are also competing for raw materials. Therefore, the current MHP supply is tightening further. In terms of battery scrap, tight supply hasn’t eased after the holiday; the upward trend in nickel sulphate pricespushed up battery scrap price coefficient; traders are reluctant to sell their goods that were previously stocked at high prices; production resumption post-holiday boosted
purchasing sentiment.
Overall, the cost side provided strong support to nickel sulphate prices. As of last Wednesday, the profit margins for highgrade
nickel matte based production lines were at 2.0%, that of MHP-based production lines were at -2.6%, that of nickel briquettes and nickel powder
based production lines were at -7.0%.
Please do not hesitate to contact Jean at jeantang@smm.cn or 86-19946295759 if you have any question or inquiry.


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