China Refined Nickel Output to Grow in August, SMM Predicts

Published: Aug 9, 2017 09:39
China’s refined nickel output was 13,800 tonnes in July, and operations at smelters in northwest and south China varied much.

SHANGHAI, Aug. 9 (SMM) – China’s refined nickel output was 13,800 tonnes in July, and operations at smelters in northwest and south China varied much. 

SMM survey finds that output at smelters in northwest China grew 1,300 tonnes to 11,600 tonnes in July, citing no raw material supply problem and rising nickel price. Production at those in south China was low due to thin profits, only up by 50 tonnes, mainly supplying long-term buyers. 

In August, domestic smelters are expected to hold production largely stable at July’s level, but thanks to more working days, output will grow slightly on a monthly basis. SMM expects China’s refined nickel output to rise to 14,300 tonnes in August. 

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