High-Grade NPI Prices Surge Amid Upward Trends and Robust Demand

The weekly average price of SMM 8-12% high-grade NPI was 1,000 yuan/mtu (ex-factory, tax included), up 12.9 yuan/mtu from a week ago. The Indonesian NPI FOB index increased by $2.1/mtu from a week ago. This week, NPI prices continued their upward trend.

Supply side, domestically, the current average price of high-grade NPI fluctuated upwards, breaking through 1,000 yuan/mtu. The losses of domestic smelters have been narrowing consecutively, enhancing production motivation. It is expected that the output of domestic smelters will start to climb in the short term. In Indonesia, although the approval quota for RKAB has increased, the actual release from mines remains limited, leading to a continuous rise in domestic trade premiums. Smelter inventories are running low, and some smelters may have a downward expectation for high-grade NPI output.

Demand side, downstream stainless steel mills and traders were actively inquiring this week. Approaching the traditional peak season of "Golden September and Silver October," stainless steel mills are expected to increase their scheduled production, and the strong market sentiment has driven transaction prices to new highs.

In summary, the cost support for NPI remains firm in the short term, and downstream restocking demand may be released, with prices expected to run strong.

From the perspective of the price spread between high-grade NPI and refined nickel, high-grade NPI had an average discount of 296.5 yuan/mtu to refined nickel this week, with the discount widening by 11.5 yuan/mtu from a week ago. This week, high-grade NPI prices fluctuated upwards, breaking through 1,000 yuan/mtu. The tight supply of Indonesian laterite nickel ore led to high domestic trade premiums, and spot prices were strong driven by costs.

For refined nickel, nickel prices rebounded this week, leading the gains among non-ferrous metals on Wednesday with a daily increase of nearly 3.5%. However, by Friday, the upward momentum weakened, still affected by the current weak fundamentals. The discount of high-grade NPI to refined nickel widened from narrowing earlier in the week. In the short term, high-grade NPI is expected to remain strong, while nickel prices may fluctuate upwards due to cost support and a recovery in downstream demand. The price spread between the two is expected to continue widening next week.