SMM Nickel Morning Comment

Published: Feb 29, 2024 10:05
On February 28 evening, the most active SHFE nickel contract prices opened at 135000 yuan/mt and closed at 134290 yuan/mt, an increase of 80 yuan/mt from the closing price of the previous trading day. The trading volume increased by 92272 lots, and the open interest increased by 7924 lots.

On February 28 evening, the most active SHFE nickel contract prices opened at 135000 yuan/mt and closed at 134290 yuan/mt, an increase of 80 yuan/mt from the closing price of the previous trading day. The trading volume increased by 92272 lots, and the open interest increased by 7924 lots. Market transactions were active, and the power of longs was greater than that of shorts. Both long and short parties were increasing their positions. Bulls were more optimistic about the subsequent rise. From a macro perspective, although RKAB’s review speed has been accelerated, there are still a large number of mining enterprise quotas that have not yet been approved. From a fundamental point of view, affected by the sharp rise in nickel prices last week, although nickel prices declined, the absolute spot price was still at a recent high, and downstream companies were still waiting for a more appropriate time to purchase.


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 Analysis】Weekly Review of Indonesian Nickel Market - Apr 30
Apr 30, 2026 23:41
【SMM Analysis】Weekly Review of Indonesian Nickel Market - Apr 30
Read More
【SMM Analysis】Weekly Review of Indonesian Nickel Market - Apr 30
【SMM Analysis】Weekly Review of Indonesian Nickel Market - Apr 30
Apr 30, 2026 23:41
[SMM Nickel Market Flash] World Bank Says Indonesia’s New Nickel Capacity May Be Curbed by Tight Ore Supply
Apr 30, 2026 22:33
[SMM Nickel Market Flash] World Bank Says Indonesia’s New Nickel Capacity May Be Curbed by Tight Ore Supply
Read More
[SMM Nickel Market Flash] World Bank Says Indonesia’s New Nickel Capacity May Be Curbed by Tight Ore Supply
[SMM Nickel Market Flash] World Bank Says Indonesia’s New Nickel Capacity May Be Curbed by Tight Ore Supply
According to the World Bank’s April 2026 Commodity Markets Outlook, global refined nickel production is expected to increase modestly in 2026 and 2027 as new processing capacity comes online in Indonesia. However, the report warned that tighter upstream ore availability is likely to constrain capacity utilization. This suggests future growth in Indonesia’s nickel supply may depend increasingly on ore availability rather than nominal processing capacity alone.
Apr 30, 2026 22:33
[SMM Nickel Market Flash] World Bank Sees Nickel Prices Rising 12% in 2026 on Tight Supply
Apr 30, 2026 22:32
[SMM Nickel Market Flash] World Bank Sees Nickel Prices Rising 12% in 2026 on Tight Supply
Read More
[SMM Nickel Market Flash] World Bank Sees Nickel Prices Rising 12% in 2026 on Tight Supply
[SMM Nickel Market Flash] World Bank Sees Nickel Prices Rising 12% in 2026 on Tight Supply
According to the World Bank’s April 2026 Commodity Markets Outlook, nickel prices are projected to rise 12% year on year in 2026 and a further 3% in 2027, as global consumption growth is expected to outpace supply expansion. The report said that although new nickel processing capacity will continue to come online in Indonesia, tighter upstream ore availability is likely to constrain utilization rates and keep the market tight. It also noted that further disruptions to sulfur exports from Middle East producers could become an additional upside risk for nickel prices.
Apr 30, 2026 22:32
SMM Nickel Morning Comment - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)