Latest News: What’s Impact on Nickel Market after Lopez’ Appointment Rejection as Environment Secretary

Published: May 03, 2017 16:01 (GMT+8)
The Commission on Appointments (CA) rejected on Wednesday the appointment of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez.

SHANGHAI, May 3 (SMM) – The Commission on Appointments (CA) rejected on Wednesday the appointment of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez.

"The environmental crackdowns in the Philippines are expected to come to a halt after this, and the price support from supply concerns on environmental factor will also disappear," SMM nickel analyst says.

What’s Outlook for Nickel Market after Cut News at Chinese NPI and Stainless Steel Producers? SMM Reports

In April, nickel ore shipments from the Philippines returned to the levels seen in Q2 2016, a reflection of easing environmental pressures in the country.  

Lopez, a staunch environmental advocate, was faced with strong opposition and criticisms after the crackdown during her 10 months in office.

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

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 for 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 Analysis] IMIP’s water-related NPI cuts meet weak stainless steel demand
2 hours ago
[SMM Analysis] IMIP’s water-related NPI cuts meet weak stainless steel demand
Read More
[SMM Analysis] IMIP’s water-related NPI cuts meet weak stainless steel demand
[SMM Analysis] IMIP’s water-related NPI cuts meet weak stainless steel demand
IMIP’s RKEF NPI plants have begun cutting operating loads by 30–40% amid water shortages. Prolonged cuts could reduce cumulative NPI output by over 100 kt, equivalent to more than 11 kt of nickel at an 11% grade. Meanwhile, weak demand is expected to lower China’s October 300-series stainless output by over 100 kt. Elevated NPI inventories could cushion the initial impact, with price support depending on the disruption’s duration and downstream buying.
2 hours ago
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Sep 23)
3 hours ago
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Sep 23)
Read More
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Sep 23)
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Sep 23)
The following table shows the ferrous and nonferrous metals movement on the SHFE and DCE on 23 Sep , 2026
3 hours ago
【SMM Nickel Flash】Indonesia Nickel Market Update — September 23, 2026
4 hours ago
【SMM Nickel Flash】Indonesia Nickel Market Update — September 23, 2026
Read More
【SMM Nickel Flash】Indonesia Nickel Market Update — September 23, 2026
【SMM Nickel Flash】Indonesia Nickel Market Update — September 23, 2026
Indonesia's nickel ore market remained stable on September 23, with SMM assessments for Indonesian nickel ore delivered to destination ports unchanged across major grades: Ni 1.2%: $26.5/wmt, unchanged. Ni 1.3%: $28.5/wmt, unchanged. Ni 1.4%: $51.8/wmt, unchanged. Ni 1.5%: $58.5/wmt, unchanged. Ni 1.6%: $63.4/wmt, unchanged. In the market, additional 2026 RKAB approvals are gradually entering the market, helping ease the earlier shortage of nickel ore. However, the total additional quota has yet to be officially announced, and the pace of quota execution remains a key factor for subsequent ore supply and smelter production. Meanwhile, El Niño-driven drought has emerged as a new supply-side concern. IMIP confirmed that water shortages have forced some smelters to reduce NPI production, although operations have not been halted.
4 hours ago