[SMM Nickel Intermediate Product Daily Review] February 26 MHP and High-Grade Nickel Matte Prices Rise

Published: Feb 26, 2026 11:22
As of now, the FOB price of Indonesian MHP nickel is $15,549/mt Ni, and the FOB price of Indonesian MHP cobalt is $49,571/mt Co. The MHP payables against the SMM battery-grade nickel sulphate index were 88-89, and the payable indicator for the MHP cobalt element against SMM refined cobalt (Rotterdam warehouse) was 91. The FOB price of Indonesian high-grade nickel matte was $15,910/mt Ni.

As of now, the FOB price of Indonesian MHP nickel is $15,549/mt Ni, and the FOB price of Indonesian MHP cobalt is $49,571/mt Co. The MHP payables (against the SMM battery-grade nickel sulphate index) are 88-89, and the MHP cobalt element payable indicator (against SMM refined cobalt (Rotterdam warehouse)) is 91. The FOB price of Indonesian high-grade nickel matte is $15,910/mt Ni.

Regarding the MHP market situation, supply side, spot cargo circulation is limited, with some sellers suspending quotations, and the market is observing the follow-up handling of a tailings dam landslide incident at an Indonesian park. Demand side, affected by the DRC's cobalt intermediate products export quota policy, the supplementary role of MHP as an alternative raw material for cobalt intermediate products has become prominent, with downstream just-in-time procurement. Overall, the market supply and demand are tight, with nickel payables rising slightly and cobalt payables remaining high and flat.

Regarding the high-grade nickel matte market situation, supply side, market circulation is tight, and seller quotations are firm. Demand side, the economics for enterprises purchasing externally to use high-grade nickel matte are currently stronger compared to using MHP. Under tight supply and demand, nickel payables are currently supported at high levels.

[For more content, subscribe to SMM Nickel Research Group products "China Nickel-Chrome-Stainless Steel Industry Chain Regular Report" and "China Nickel-Chrome-Stainless Steel Industry Chain High-End Report" to obtainthe 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
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here