[SMM Nickel Sulphate Daily Review] March 30, Market Transactions Were Sluggish, Nickel Salt Prices Remained Stable

Published: Mar 30, 2026 11:46
On March 30, the SMM average price of battery-grade nickel sulphate remained stable.

On March 30, the average SMM battery-grade nickel sulphate price held steady.

From the cost side, nickel prices continued to be pressured by the Middle East situation, and the immediate production cost of nickel sulphate edged down; from the supply side, MHP payables have risen recently, and nickel salt smelters raised their offers due to higher raw material costs; from the demand side, some producers have made inquiries recently, but as downstream orders were not particularly optimistic, costs were difficult to pass down, resulting in weak acceptance of high-priced nickel salts. Today, the upstream nickel salt smelters' Willingness to Sell Sentiment Factor was 1.8, the downstream precursor plants' purchasing sentiment factor was 2.6, and the integrated enterprises' sentiment factor was 2.3 (historical data is available in the database).

Looking ahead, as the monthly procurement period approaches, attention should be paid to downstream demand and the extent of downward cost pass-through.

[For more content, please subscribe to SMM Nickel Research Team products, China Nickel-Chrome-Stainless Steel Industry Chain Regular Report and China Nickel-Chrome-Stainless Steel Industry Chain High-End Report, to accessthe latest data analysis and market insights on nickel ore, NPI (China + Indonesia), refined nickel, nickel sulphate, chrome ore,ferrochrome, and stainless steel (China + Indonesia)!]


 

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 Stainless Steel Flash] Shandong Xingyi 1.05B Yuan Precision Cold Rolling Project to Start Production in October
7 mins ago
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Shandong Xingyi 1.05B Yuan Precision Cold Rolling Project to Start Production in October
Read More
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Shandong Xingyi 1.05B Yuan Precision Cold Rolling Project to Start Production in October
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Shandong Xingyi 1.05B Yuan Precision Cold Rolling Project to Start Production in October
Shandong Xingyi Metallurgical Equipment Co., Ltd. is moving forward with its high-speed precision cold rolling mill manufacturing project in Guan County, Liaocheng. With a total investment of 1.05 billion yuan, the facility features three interconnected stainless steel workshops designed for fully integrated, end-to-end production of cold rolling equipment. Having broken ground in June 2025, the project has completed its foundation work and is on track for an October 2026 launch. Once operational, it will produce 30 sets of cold rolling equipment annually, filling a key gap in the region’s high-end machinery manufacturing sector.
7 mins ago
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Zhoushan Ningxing Ships Delivers First 13,800 DWT Duplex Stainless Steel Chemical Tanker
11 mins ago
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Zhoushan Ningxing Ships Delivers First 13,800 DWT Duplex Stainless Steel Chemical Tanker
Read More
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Zhoushan Ningxing Ships Delivers First 13,800 DWT Duplex Stainless Steel Chemical Tanker
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Zhoushan Ningxing Ships Delivers First 13,800 DWT Duplex Stainless Steel Chemical Tanker
Zhoushan Ningxing Shipway officially delivered the "HX AFFLUENCE," a 13,800 DWT stainless steel oil and chemical tanker, to Hongxi Shipping. This vessel is the first in a "6+3" series and features advanced duplex stainless steel cargo tanks. Known for high strength and superior corrosion resistance, the duplex stainless steel allows for the safe long-distance transport of high-end chemicals and refined oils while reducing long-term maintenance costs. This delivery marks a significant milestone for Zhoushan’s high-tech shipbuilding sector and sets a strong foundation for the remaining eight vessels in the series.
11 mins ago
[SMM Analysis] Overseas Stainless Steel Market Overview: Overseas Policy Resonance and Cost Drivers
32 mins ago
[SMM Analysis] Overseas Stainless Steel Market Overview: Overseas Policy Resonance and Cost Drivers
Read More
[SMM Analysis] Overseas Stainless Steel Market Overview: Overseas Policy Resonance and Cost Drivers
[SMM Analysis] Overseas Stainless Steel Market Overview: Overseas Policy Resonance and Cost Drivers
Indonesia's new nickel tariffs and Europe's CBAM have sharply raised overseas stainless steel costs, driving Asian mills to hike prices. Downstream demand remains mixed: Japan and South Korea are resilient, while the Taiwan, China region faces pressure. Wary of rapid price spikes, buyers are limiting purchases to rigid demand. The market will remain cautious until tariff details and actual demand are validated.
32 mins ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here