Will China NPI Output Keep Falling in June? SMM Reports

Published: Jun 9, 2017 09:48

Save

China’s NPI output was down in May on a monthly basis, SMM data showed. What are major factors behind the decline, and will the decline be continuing in June?

SHANGHAI, Jun. 9 (SMM) – China’s NPI output was down in May on a monthly basis, SMM data showed. What are major factors behind the decline, and will the decline be continuing in June?

Indonesia Cuts Base Export Prices of Nickel Ore, Why?

SMM attributes two reasons behind the output decline on a monthly basis. First, domestic EAF NPI producers in Inner Mongolia suspended or cut output due to big losses, and all EAF NPI producers in Jiangsu halted production for the same reason. Second, demand for low-grade NPI was poor, and some producers shifted to producing pig iron.

SMM expects China’s NPI output to grow by about 8 per cent in June on a monthly basis, though.

China Refined Nickel Output Falls in May MoM, SMM Reports

In June, some RKEF NPI producers are likely to grow output, such as Jiangsu Delong Nickel, which may increase high-grade NPI output along with its stainless steel production resumption. Meanwhile, some low-grade NPI producers resumed production in early June to consume on-hand low-grade nickel ore inventories.

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

npi price npi output china npi output nickel price

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 to learn 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

4 hours ago

Vale Maintained Strong Production and Sales Momentum in Q1

4 hours ago

5 hours ago

SHFE Approved Registration of "PTENICO" Brand Refined Nickel for Nickel Futures Delivery

On April 20, the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) issued an announcement approving the registration of "PTENICO" brand (Eternal) refined nickel (electrodeposition process, Ni99.96) produced by PT ETERNAL NICKEL INDUSTRY, with a registered capacity of 50,000 mt. The product has been eligible for physical delivery against SHFE nickel futures contracts since the date of the announcement. The product originates from North Maluku Province, Indonesia.

5 hours ago

[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] According to CREA, Stainless Steel Still Leads Indonesia's Nickel Demand

According to CREA report, stainless steel remains the dominant end-use for Indonesia's nickel despite ongoing "green nickel" marketing efforts. In 2025, 83% of nickel output will go to stainless steel versus 17% for EV batteries; by 2030, stainless steel is still projected to account for 51% of supply against 18% for batteries. Demand from the battery sector faces uncertainty as more EVs shift to nickel-free technologies. Indonesia, which produces over half of global refined nickel, faces mounting pressure from stricter environmental regulations and carbon taxes over its coal-powered production, along with broader supply chain risks. Separately, BMI (a Fitch Solutions company) raised its 2026 nickel price forecast to US$16,600/ton, citing policy uncertainty and rising supply risks.

5 hours ago