Exclusive: China’s nickel sulphate output increased in July on improved downstream demand

SHANGHAI, Aug 7 (SMM) — SMM data showed that China produced 52,300 mt of nickel sulphate in July, or 11,500 mt in nickel content, up 16.35% from June and 2.8% from a year ago. This included 45,200 mt of battery-grade nickel sulphate and 7,100 mt of electroplating-grade nickel sulphate. As orders from downstream users improved, some nickel salts plants resumed operations and some raised output slightly.

SMM expects nickel sulphate output to rise 4.49% on month to 12,000 mt (Ni content) in August as some producers will slightly raise output as inventories have declined for three straight months.