SHANGHAI, Mar 20 (SMM) - Last week, the SS contract prices rose first and then slumped. Chinese economy is recovering. However, the banking crisis in Europe and the US intensified risks in the market. Investors shifted their attention to commodities for hedging. The SS contract prices were relatively stable. The market shall pay attention to the US Fed’s rate meeting this week. Spot stainless steel inventory dropped slowly as a whole last week since the order volume showed no signs of recovery. The inventory held by stainless steel mills stood high, and the spot traders had to undercut their prices for shipment. Prices of high-grade NPI continued to drop last week. Nickel ore prices plummeted amid the sluggish transactions, but NPI plants were still not willing to purchase nickel ore, which may have a certain impact on the NPI supply. The prices of NPI are expected to run steadily with some downward potential. The prices of high-carbon ferrochrome did not change much. Stainless steel mills were cautious in purchasing. It is expected that the prices of ferrochrome will be stable with occasional falls in the near future. SMM believes that the SS contract prices will move rangebound this week.


![[SMM Berita Kilat Nikel] Pembaruan Harian — 2 September 2026](https://imgqn.smm.cn/usercenter/qLeLR20251217171733.jpg)
