Nickel Ore Imports Rise in Feb on Subsided Impact of Rainy Season in the Philippines  

SHANGHAI, Apr 13 (SMM) - Customs data showed that China imported 1.48 million mt of nickel ore in February, up 4.31% month-on-month and 19.26% year-on-year. At the same time, nickel ore stocks at ports maintained a downward trend. In detail, imports of laterite nickel ore totalled 1.45 million mt in February, up 4.14% MoM and 21.72% year-on-year. Imports from the Philippines stood at 1.08 million mt, up 13% month-on-month, as the weather conditions in the country improved. On the demand side, NPI prices were on a downward trend on high spot supply while sluggish demand, putting a certain pressure on the nickel ore prices. Imports of sulphide ore stood at 33,800 mt in February, up 12.29% MoM. Nickel ore imports are expected to grow in March.