[2020.5.20 Nickel Internal Morning meeting Summary] after the strengthening of nickel spot price, the demand release is weak and the transaction atmosphere of stainless steel is weak.

Published: May 20, 2020 09:58

Nickel price judgment: nickel spot continues to be dull, nickel pig iron supply and demand balance can still be added, nickel ore cost support is still relatively strong, but stainless steel prices have reached a peak and are difficult to be strong in the short term. generally speaking, the pure nickel industry chain is in a slightly weaker state in the balance, and there is a certain possibility of increasing imported resources in the later stage, lack of further driving force, but the lower support is also more obvious. The high production schedule of stainless steel and the relative performance of the macroscopic surface are OK. After yesterday's rise, today's strong shock situation. It is expected that today's range of Shanghai nickel 102000mur103500 yuan / ton, Lunni 12400mur12600 US dollars / ton.

On May 19th, SMM1 Electrolytic Nickel is quoted at 101600 RMB103100 / ton. Although the Shanghai nickel price rebounded sharply, but the spot discount is stable than yesterday, although there are enquiries, but the transaction is significantly weaker. Russo Nickel to Shanghai Nickel 2007 contract quoted 50 yuan / ton to Pingshui; due to the active trading of non-deliverable nickel plates yesterday, the supply of low-cost goods decreased significantly today, Russo Nickel liter discount remained firm near flat water, and Russo Nickel discount quotations became more in the afternoon. Jinchuan Nickel 2007 contract against Shanghai Nickel rose 1100mur1200 yuan / ton, Jinchuan ex-factory price of 102600 yuan / ton, about 1000 yuan / ton higher than the market price. Due to the poor shipments of the consignors in the morning, the willingness to receive goods and replenish the warehouse is weak. Jinchuan nickel water has not been lowered in the afternoon, and the market demand is still weak. Nickel beans to Shanghai Nickel 2007 contract quoted 800 yuan / ton, slightly lower than yesterday. In terms of foreign trade, imported nickel plates and nickel beans will be imported one after another this week.

On May 19th, the average price of stainless steel 304cold and hot rolling in Wuxi area was slightly increased by 50 yuan / ton, and the quotation range of rough edge coiling price of 304amp 2B was 13600 NO.1 13300 yuan / ton. At present, the spot price in the market is slightly higher than the term unit price, and the increase in the price of steel mills on Monday has little impact on the spot. Some traders said that some orders for hot rolling resources have arrived this week, and then the price trend still depends on the downstream demand. At present, the trading atmosphere has a weak trend. For 10:30 SHFE SS2007 contract price is 13555 yuan / ton, Wuxi stainless steel spot water is 215 RMB415 / ton. (spot trimming = rough edge + 170 yuan / ton)

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
Domestic High-Grade NPI Costs Drop, but Profit Margins Squeeze Amid Falling Selling Prices
Sep 11, 2026 18:00
Domestic High-Grade NPI Costs Drop, but Profit Margins Squeeze Amid Falling Selling Prices
Read More
Domestic High-Grade NPI Costs Drop, but Profit Margins Squeeze Amid Falling Selling Prices
Domestic High-Grade NPI Costs Drop, but Profit Margins Squeeze Amid Falling Selling Prices
[SMM Nickel Flash] Domestic high-grade NPI production costs declined this week. Lower Philippine nickel ore prices, coupled with a pullback in coke prices, reduced smelting raw material costs. However, NPI selling prices fell significantly over the same period, dragging on profitability and narrowing profit margins for domestic smelters.
Sep 11, 2026 18:00
SMM 10-12% High-Grade NPI Price Drops to 1,095.5 Yuan/Unit, Indonesia NPI FOB Index Falls to $141.14/Unit
Sep 11, 2026 18:00
SMM 10-12% High-Grade NPI Price Drops to 1,095.5 Yuan/Unit, Indonesia NPI FOB Index Falls to $141.14/Unit
Read More
SMM 10-12% High-Grade NPI Price Drops to 1,095.5 Yuan/Unit, Indonesia NPI FOB Index Falls to $141.14/Unit
SMM 10-12% High-Grade NPI Price Drops to 1,095.5 Yuan/Unit, Indonesia NPI FOB Index Falls to $141.14/Unit
[SMM Nickel Flash] The average price of SMM 10-12% high-grade NPI fell by 17.7 yuan/nickel unit WoW to 1,095.5 yuan/nickel unit (ex-factory, tax included), while the average price of the Indonesia NPI FOB index dropped by $2.93/nickel unit WoW to $141.14/nickel unit. This week, the high-grade NPI market continued to weaken, with the price center moving steadily lower. Upstream and downstream price negotiations intensified, and the market entered a stalemate, consolidating at lows.
Sep 11, 2026 18:00
[SMM Analysis] High-Grade NPI Prices Decline as Supply Recovers and Market Activity Slows
Sep 11, 2026 17:45
[SMM Analysis] High-Grade NPI Prices Decline as Supply Recovers and Market Activity Slows
Read More
[SMM Analysis] High-Grade NPI Prices Decline as Supply Recovers and Market Activity Slows
[SMM Analysis] High-Grade NPI Prices Decline as Supply Recovers and Market Activity Slows
The average price of SMM 10-12% high-grade NPI fell WoW by 17.7 yuan/nickel unit to 1,095.5 yuan/nickel unit (ex-factory, tax included), and the average price of the Indonesia NPI FOB index fell WoW by $2.93/nickel unit to $141.14/nickel unit. This week, the high-grade NPI market continued to weaken, with the price center shifting steadily lower. Price negotiations between upstream and downstream intensified, and the market entered a phase of stagnant consolidation at lows.
Sep 11, 2026 17:45
[2020.5.20 Nickel Internal Morning meeting Summary] after the strengthening of nickel spot price, the demand release is weak and the transaction atmosphere of stainless steel is weak. - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)