SMM Exclusive: China's NPI Metal Output in May Reaches 18.8kt

SHANGHAI, Jun. 29 (SMM) -- According to data from SMM, China's NPI physical output in May was 376.9kt, or 18.8kt of metal output after conversion. China's NPI physical output was up 51% YoY and down 3.8% MoM. China's metal nickel output, after conversion, was up 103% YoY and down 6% MoM.

Some NPI producers with blast furnaces halted production in May due to environmental crackdown, exerting negative impact on NPI production. It is expected that output in June will continue to fall slightly along with production cuts from producers with blast furnaces. However, operating rates at producers with electronic arc furnaces were stable, and current orders received by them lasted to mid-July.

With regard to the newly-built projects, only Fu'an project under Shanghai Tsingshan Mineral Co has been under operation, but it is revealed that the project doesn't operate smoothly with some technical problems still need improving. Guangxi project under Jinchuan Group has already been under construction, and the project is expected to produce 110kt of nickel products in the future.

To contact the writer on this report: celiawang@smm.cn

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