Nickel Spot Supply Tightens in China, SMM Learns

Published: Aug 22, 2017 13:40
On Tuesday, nickel supply in China’s domestic spot market was tightening, Shanghai Metals Market learns.

SHANGHAI, Aug. 22 (SMM) – On Tuesday, nickel supply in China’s domestic spot market was tightening, Shanghai Metals Market learns. 

The tightness was due mainly to two factors. First, traders held back goods due to optimistic outlook. Second, some goods were held by investors, which rarely participate in daily spot deals, also tightening market supply. 

What’s Raw Material Choice at China Stainless Steel Mills after NPI Shortages and Price Rise? SMM Reports

On Tuesday, Russian nickel traded at premiums of 100 yuan per tonne, ranging between 90,200-90,500 yuan per tonne, and premiums of Jinchuan nickel were at 500-600 yuan per tonne. 

Jinchuan Group raised ex-works prices by 500 yuan per tonne on Tuesday, with traded prices between 90,500-90,800 yuan per tonne.  Overall trading sentiment dropped on a daily basis.   

Environmental Crackdowns on Electroplating Plants Depress Nickel Sales

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 Nickel Flash: High-Grade NPI Prices Drop, Market Sees Intensified Long-Short Tug-of-War
Sep 18, 2026 17:21
SMM Nickel Flash: High-Grade NPI Prices Drop, Market Sees Intensified Long-Short Tug-of-War
Read More
SMM Nickel Flash: High-Grade NPI Prices Drop, Market Sees Intensified Long-Short Tug-of-War
SMM Nickel Flash: High-Grade NPI Prices Drop, Market Sees Intensified Long-Short Tug-of-War
[SMM Nickel Flash] On September 18, the average price of SMM 10-12% high-grade NPI fell by 33.1 yuan/nickel unit WoW to 1,062.4 yuan/nickel unit (ex-factory, tax included), while the average price of the Indonesia NPI FOB index dropped by $4.06/nickel unit WoW to $137.08/nickel unit. This week, the high-grade NPI market continued to drift lower overall, with the tug-of-war between longs and shorts intensifying.
Sep 18, 2026 17:21
SMM High-Grade NPI Sentiment Index Rises Slightly, Market Shows Clear Divergence
Sep 18, 2026 17:20
SMM High-Grade NPI Sentiment Index Rises Slightly, Market Shows Clear Divergence
Read More
SMM High-Grade NPI Sentiment Index Rises Slightly, Market Shows Clear Divergence
SMM High-Grade NPI Sentiment Index Rises Slightly, Market Shows Clear Divergence
[SMM Nickel Flash] On September 18, SMM's high-grade NPI market sentiment index stood at 1.79, up 0.02 MoM. The upstream sentiment index for high-grade NPI was 1.86, flat MoM, while the downstream sentiment index for high-grade NPI was 1.72, up 0.03 MoM. The NPI market is currently marked by clear divergence, with a persistent tug-of-war between longs and shorts.
Sep 18, 2026 17:20
[SMM Analysis] Inventory Accumulation and Weak Demand Push High-Grade NPI Lower in Search of a Bottom
Sep 18, 2026 17:03
[SMM Analysis] Inventory Accumulation and Weak Demand Push High-Grade NPI Lower in Search of a Bottom
Read More
[SMM Analysis] Inventory Accumulation and Weak Demand Push High-Grade NPI Lower in Search of a Bottom
[SMM Analysis] Inventory Accumulation and Weak Demand Push High-Grade NPI Lower in Search of a Bottom
The average price of SMM 10-12% high-grade NPI fell WoW by 33.1 yuan/nickel unit to 1,062.4 yuan/nickel unit (ex-factory, tax included), and the average Indonesia NPI FOB index price fell WoW by $4.06/nickel unit to $137.08/nickel unit. This week, the high-grade NPI market continued to drift lower overall, with the tug-of-war between longs and shorts intensifying.
Sep 18, 2026 17:03