Why Low-Grade NPI Price Fall? SMM Reports

SHANGHAI, Jun. 13 (SMM) – Prices of low-grade NPI have been falling since Chinese Dragon Boat Festival starting from Jun. 9 to 11. What factors are behind the decline? 

At present, low-grade NPI price is 2,220-2,250 yuan per tonne, with average price down 40 yuan since the holiday, according to SMM data. 

“Demand from stainless steel mills is waning, giving no price support to low-grade NPI,” SMM nickel analyst points out. 

Prices of #200 stainless steel are dropping with weak demand and falling coke prices, and prices of LH/2B coils in the Wuxi market, produced by Angang Lianzhong Stainless Steel Corporation, fell to 7,500-7,600 yuan per tonne, down about 9 per cent from May’s high. 

One NPI producer told SMM that low-grade NPI prices will likely keep falling for the foreseeable due to low acceptance to the price at around 2,250 yuan. 

Despite of falling prices, profits at domestic low-grade NPI producers are around 12 per cent, SMM estimates, due to falling coke prices.  

For news cooperation, please contact us by email: sallyzhang@smm.cn or service.en@smm.cn.