Exclusive: China's NPI output rose 2.91% MoM to 46,000 mt Ni in September

Published: Oct 13, 2020 15:35

Save

China's NPI output rose 2.91% from August to 46,000 mt Ni in September, but was 12.74% lower than a year earlier. This included 38,600 mt Ni of high-grade NPI, up 3.67% on the month, and 7,400 mt Ni of low-grade NPI, up 0.83% month on month.

SHANGHAI, Oct 13 (SMM) — China's NPI output rose 2.91% from August to 46,000 mt Ni in September, but was 12.74% lower than a year earlier. This included 38,600 mt Ni of high-grade NPI, up 3.67% on the month, and 7,400 mt Ni of low-grade NPI, up 0.83% month on month. High prices of high-grade NPI prompted some plants to ramp up production. This, coupled with new capacities coming online, accounted for the increase in high-grade NPI output in September, in spite of a tight nickel ore supply. Output of low-grade NPI was largely unchanged from a month ago as some #200 stainless steel makers slightly raised output.

China's NPI output

SMM expects China's NPI output to fall 2% on the month, and 13.9% on the year, to 45,100 mt Ni in October. Output of high-grade NPI is likely to shrink 3.04% to 37,400 mt Ni as its high prices drive steelmakers to increase use of other raw materials, and as some NPI plants will halt production as they are running out of nickel ore. Output of low-grade NPI is expected to rise 3.39% to 7,700 mt Ni in October due to longer operating days.

Output data NPI

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

47 mins ago

[SMM Nickel Midday Review] Nickel Prices Rose Slightly on March 13, and the Central Bank Will Continue to Implement a Moderately Accommodative Monetary Policy

47 mins ago

18 hours ago

[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Fu'an Aims for $246B in Stainless Steel Output by 2026, Advances 600,000-Ton CR Project

According to the Fu'an City Development and Reform Bureau, as outlined in its 2026 economic and social development plan released on March 6, the city is set to continuously consolidate its leading advantage in the stainless steel new materials industry. A key focus for the year is accelerating the construction and implementation of major downstream projects, specifically highlighting Runhengxin's 600,000-ton stainless steel cold-rolling project and a new titanium alloy materials manufacturing industrial park. Through these strategic capacity expansions, Fu'an aims to push the total output value of its stainless steel new materials industry to 246 billion RMB in 2026, targeting a year-on-year growth rate of over 5%.

18 hours ago

[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Fujian Tsingshan's Stainless Steel Deep Processing Project Receives Construction Permit

According to the Zhouning County Natural Resources Bureau, the Fujian Tsingshan Special Materials stainless steel deep processing project officially received its construction engineering planning permit on February 14, 2026. The major facility, covering a land area of over 207,700 square meters with a total construction area of approximately 156,482 square meters, marks a significant step forward in capacity expansion for the Tsingshan-affiliated entity in Fujian province, further solidifying its downstream processing footprint.

18 hours ago