[SMM Nickel Flash News] Daily Update — October 26, 2026
In terms of prices, Indonesian nickel ore prices continued to face downward pressure. The latest SMM assessments dated October 26 showed the following average delivered prices (CIF):
- 1.2% Ni limonite: $24.5/wmt
- 1.3% Ni limonite: $26.5/wmt
- 1.4% Ni saprolite: $47.1/wmt
- 1.5% Ni saprolite: $52.5/wmt
- 1.6% Ni saprolite: $57.1/wmt
Indonesia Policy & Market Update — October 26, 2026
Indonesia's nickel ore market remains under pressure as additional 2026 RKAB allocations gradually enter the market. Prices for medium- and high-grade saprolite have weakened more sharply than those for low-grade limonite, reflecting improved supply expectations and cautious purchasing by smelters. Market participants are now focusing on whether newly approved quotas will translate into actual production and shipments in the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has lowered the nickel benchmark mineral price (HMA) for the second half of October to $15,847.67/mt, down $475/mt, or 2.91%, from the first half of the month. The lower benchmark has also reduced the official HPM references for nickel ore. Under the revised October second-half benchmarks, the HPM for 1.2% Ni ore stands at $22.44/wmt, while the corresponding benchmarks for 1.4%, 1.5% and 1.6% Ni ore are $50.05/wmt, $54.48/wmt and $59.12/wmt, respectively. Actual transaction prices may vary depending on ore specifications and contractual terms.