[NPI Daily Review] Rising Ore Prices Provide Strong Cost Support, High-Grade NPI Prices Gradually Raised

Published: Mar 13, 2026 14:04
[SMM Daily Review: Rising Ore Prices Provide Strong Cost Support, High-Grade NPI Prices Were Gradually Raised] March 13 News, SMM's upstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.92, up 0.01 MoM, while the downstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 1.72, up 0.07 MoM.

SMM News, March 13:

   March 13 News: SMM's high-grade NPI market sentiment factor was 2.32, up 0.04 MoM; the upstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.92, up 0.01 MoM; and the downstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 1.72, up 0.07 MoM. Supply side, as costs were strongly supported by rising ore prices, upstream offer indications remained firm. Demand side, as market activity gradually rebounded, steel mills' indicative bid prices also saw some increases. Overall, market trading activity gradually recovered, and high-grade NPI prices were supported.

 

 

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 Flash News】Indonesia's HMA Nickel Increased in Second Period of May, Finally Breaks $18,000 Threshold
30 mins ago
【SMM Flash News】Indonesia's HMA Nickel Increased in Second Period of May, Finally Breaks $18,000 Threshold
Read More
【SMM Flash News】Indonesia's HMA Nickel Increased in Second Period of May, Finally Breaks $18,000 Threshold
【SMM Flash News】Indonesia's HMA Nickel Increased in Second Period of May, Finally Breaks $18,000 Threshold
The Indonesian ESDM has officially published the Mineral Reference Price (HMA) for the 2nd half of May 2026. The benchmark price for nickel has been set at $18,849.30/dmt, marking a significant increase of $1,047.16/dmt, or 5.88%, compared to the $17,802.14/dmt in the 1st period of May. Additional reference prices for May’s 2nd period include cobalt at $55,854.00/dmt, iron ore at $1.58/dmt, and chrome ore at $6.37/dmt. Based on SMM’s internal valuation models, simulation analyses were conducted for both saprolite ore (comprising 20% Fe, 1% Cr, and 0.05% Co) and limonite ore (comprising 45% Fe, 2% Cr, and 0.10% Co). • Ni 1.2%:USD 49.95/wmt (↑ $2.12) • Ni 1.3%:USD 54.72/wmt (↑ $2.39) • Ni 1.4%:USD 60.05/wmt (↑ $2.75) • Ni 1.5%:USD 65.32/wmt (↑ $3.04) • Ni 1.6%:USD 70.83/wmt (↑ $3.35)
30 mins ago
[SMM Analysis] Supply Contraction Expectations Persisted, MHP and High-Grade Nickel Matte Payable Indicator Fluctuated at Highs This Week
46 mins ago
[SMM Analysis] Supply Contraction Expectations Persisted, MHP and High-Grade Nickel Matte Payable Indicator Fluctuated at Highs This Week
Read More
[SMM Analysis] Supply Contraction Expectations Persisted, MHP and High-Grade Nickel Matte Payable Indicator Fluctuated at Highs This Week
[SMM Analysis] Supply Contraction Expectations Persisted, MHP and High-Grade Nickel Matte Payable Indicator Fluctuated at Highs This Week
Supply Contraction Expectations Persisted, MHP and High-Grade Nickel Matte Payable Indicators Fluctuated at Highs This Week
46 mins ago
Indonesian MHP Nickel and High-Grade Nickel Matte Prices Drop, Cobalt Remains Unchanged
1 hour ago
Indonesian MHP Nickel and High-Grade Nickel Matte Prices Drop, Cobalt Remains Unchanged
Read More
Indonesian MHP Nickel and High-Grade Nickel Matte Prices Drop, Cobalt Remains Unchanged
Indonesian MHP Nickel and High-Grade Nickel Matte Prices Drop, Cobalt Remains Unchanged
According to SMM data, on May 15, the FOB price of Indonesian MHP nickel fell by $80/mt Ni from the previous day, while the FOB price of Indonesian MHP cobalt rose by $0/mt Co. The FOB price of Indonesian high-grade nickel matte fell by $81/mt Ni from the previous day.
1 hour ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here