SMM Analysis: Nickel Market Dynamics in Indonesia Amid Policy Risks and Philippine Price Stability

[SMM Analysis: Game Still On, Policy Risks Compound, Indonesia's Nickel Market: Rise or Fall]

Recently, the nickel ore market in the Philippines has demonstrated a strong intention to maintain prices. Ample shipping capacity has led to a decline in ocean freight rates, reducing overall shipping costs. However, while the CIF prices of medium to high-grade nickel ore from the Philippines have remained stable due to negotiations between buyers and sellers, some mines in the northern region have started to raise their price expectations for subsequent tenders, fearing that nickel ore supplies from the Surigao area may not be sustained by the end of the fourth quarter. This week, some mines have increased their FOB offer prices for medium to high-grade lateritic nickel ore. Meanwhile, downstream traders are cautious about signs of a decline in domestic high-nickel pig iron prices.