China NPI and Ferronickel Imports Dipped 2.42% in October and will Remain at This Level without Output Growth at New Production Lines in Indonesia

SHANGHAI, Nov 23 (SMM) - China imported 299,000 mt of NPI and ferronickel in October 2021, a decrease of 2.42% month-on-month but a growth of 10.09% year-on-year, according to customs data. The cumulative imports from January to October were 3.1 million mt. The total Ni content of imported NPI and ferronickel in October stood at 46,000 mt, a decrease of 2.42% month-on-month but an increase of 15.26% year-on-year.

The imports of NPI were approximately 250,000 mt in October, a decrease of 2.7% month-on-month. And the imports of ferronickel stood at approximately 49,900 mt, an increased on of 4.51% month-on-month.

The National Day holiday may have a certain impact on customs statistics. However, the import volume of NPI and ferronickel in October was within the normal range. There was no significant increase in the new NPI production lines in Indonesia, and the demand from stainless steel in Indonesia remained stable.

In mid-November, PT Obsidian Stainless Steel (OSS) in the industrial zone of Morosi District, Indonesia caught a fire. The NPI production line was damaged, but the affected output was limited. Therefore, it is expected that the import volume of NPI and ferronickel in November will remain at the current level.