Exclusive: China produced 14,600 mt of refined nickel in July, output in Xinjiang and Shandong fell

SHANGHAI, Aug 5 (SMM) — China produced 14,600 mt of refined nickel in July, down 3.05% or 460 mt from June, but up 15.73% from a year earlier.

Output across Gansu smelters stood flat on month, but rose 30% from the same period last year. No maintenance plans have been heard by far amid stable production environment and moderate shipments.

July output in Liaoning and Tianjin held largely unchanged from June as local smelters kept normal production.

July output across smelters in Xinjiang fell 37% month on month as part of the output will be classified into August statistics and some lines shifted to electro oxidation slots production.

Output in Shandong declined 16.67% as smelters reduced operating capacity to ease pressure.

SMM expects China’s refined nickel output to rise to 14,800 mt in August as production lines have recovered and part of July output will be classified into August statistics. The COVID-19 outbreak in Xinjiang will affect local transportation of raw materials.