China Sees Big Decline in Nickel Ore Inventories after Transportation Ban, SMM Reports

Published: Aug 21, 2017 11:40

Save

Nickel ore inventories at China’s all ports tumbled last week, Shanghai Metals Market survey shows.

SHANGHAI, Aug. 21 (SMM) – Nickel ore inventories at China’s all ports tumbled last week, Shanghai Metals Market survey shows.

China’s total nickel ore port inventories were 7.92 million wet tonnes or 65,800 tonnes in Ni content in the week ending Aug. 21, down as much as 620,000 tonnes on a weekly basis, according to SMM data.

Does Production Resumption Go Smoothly at China High-grade NPI Producers after Rapid Price Gains? SMM Reports

SMM attributes the sharp decline to the ban on coal transportation by truck at the Port of Tangshan, (including the Port of Jingtang and all docks at Caofeidian Port). Inner Mongolia NPI producers sped up ore transportation from the Port of Caofeidian to factories after the ban, and inventories at the port tumbled to 400,000 wet tonnes, down by half on a weekly basis.

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

nickel prices nickel ore prices china nickel ore inventories

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

1 hour ago

[SMM Nickel Sulphate Daily Review] April 17: Downstream Purchasing Sentiment Rebounded, Nickel Salt Prices Rose Significantly

On April 17, the SMM average price of battery-grade nickel sulphate rose significantly.

1 hour ago

5 hours ago

[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] EU Steel Safeguard Reached Amid Indonesia's Nickel Pricing Overhaul

EU reached a trilogue agreement on new steel safeguards, featuring an 18.3 million tonne quota, a 50% out-of-quota tariff, and "melt-and-pour" rules. However, critics highlight a loophole for slabs and potential WTO compliance issues. Simultaneously, Indonesia's complete overhaul of its nickel pricing architecture is expected to hike downstream production costs for stainless steel and EVs by over 12%. Following these shifts, base metals surged on both LME and SHFE, with nickel leading gains by nearly 4%. Market volatility remains high as the industry adapts to these structural cost increases and trade barriers.

5 hours ago

20 hours ago

[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] April 16, 2026: Stainless Steel Market Highlights

On April 16, 2026, the stainless steel market saw major shifts. The EU's move to cut quotas by 47% and double tariffs to 50% in July triggered panic buying in Europe. India extended BIS certification until late September to ensure supply flexibility. Supported by Indonesia’s HPM formula adjustments, export prices remain firm, with slight gains in Foshan 304 spot prices. Rising logistics costs due to Middle East tensions and new trade barriers are collectively pushing up global trade expenses.

20 hours ago