Stainless Steel Spot Price Remains Stable

Published: Sep 21, 2023 11:28 (GMT+8)
The macroeconomic negative factors facing nickel prices have weakened, but interest rates will be cut during the year. Expectations have declined, and it is difficult to have a positive effect on commodities.

On September 20, the opening price of the SS2311 contract today was 15,390 yuan/ton, and the closing price was 15,475 yuan/ton, which was an increase of 80 yuan/ton from the closing price on the previous trading day. Intraday trading was weaker than the previous trading day, with trading volume increasing by 46,400 lots and open interest decreasing by 997 lots. This shows that there is a strong wait-and-see atmosphere between bulls and shorts today. Both parties have reduced transactions, and the shorts have admitted defeat and began to actively cover and close positions to push up prices. Although the short side takes the initiative to close the position, it is more rational and has no urgency but seeks the ideal price. The main reason is that today's spot market transactions are dull and spot prices are running smoothly. Spot prices have risen today, ranging from 50 yuan/ton to 295 yuan/ton, and futures prices have been under pressure to rise. On the macro front, last week focused on the U.S. Department of Labor’s non-seasonally adjusted CPI annual rate of 3.7% in August, which was higher than the previous market expectation of 3.6% and also higher than the previous value of 3.2%. The data reflects that inflation in August rebounded beyond market expectations, but core CPI maintained a downward trend. The market's expectations for an interest rate hike in September are still low, but expectations for future interest rate cuts are still uncertain. Overall, the macroeconomic negative factors facing nickel prices have weakened, but interest rates will be cut during the year. Expectations have declined, and it is difficult to have a positive effect on commodities.

Written by SMM Nickel Research, if you have any questions about the nickel market, please don't hesitate to talk with me Fancyli@smm.cn

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 for 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
[SMM Analysis] Cost Support Gradually Weakens, Nickel Salt Prices Decline This Week
13 mins ago
[SMM Analysis] Cost Support Gradually Weakens, Nickel Salt Prices Decline This Week
Read More
[SMM Analysis] Cost Support Gradually Weakens, Nickel Salt Prices Decline This Week
[SMM Analysis] Cost Support Gradually Weakens, Nickel Salt Prices Decline This Week
13 mins ago
【SMM Nickel Flash】New Caledonia Sets Conditions for Raw Nickel Ore Exports From Three Strategic Reserves
14 hours ago
【SMM Nickel Flash】New Caledonia Sets Conditions for Raw Nickel Ore Exports From Three Strategic Reserves
Read More
【SMM Nickel Flash】New Caledonia Sets Conditions for Raw Nickel Ore Exports From Three Strategic Reserves
【SMM Nickel Flash】New Caledonia Sets Conditions for Raw Nickel Ore Exports From Three Strategic Reserves
New Caledonia's government adopted a deliberation on September 14 setting the conditions for exporting raw nickel ore from the Tiébaghi, Koniambo and South Laterite (Sud Latéritique) metallurgical reserves. The measure follows a July 22 law that permits, by derogation, the export of ore that local nickel plants are technically or economically unable to process. Export authorisations can be granted for up to 10 years. Under the new framework, mining companies must first offer the ore to local buyers before exporting it. The offer must be made at a floor price aligned with market conditions. Export applications will also be subject to review by New Caledonia's Mining Foreign Trade Committee (CCEM), while companies must submit annual activity reports and provide information on their financial position and the requested export period. The policy could create an additional outlet for nickel ore that cannot be economically processed domestically, potentially supporting mine utilisation and the financial position of local metallurgical operations. However, the requirement to offer the material locally first means exports remain conditional on domestic processing demand and the competitiveness of local buyers.
14 hours ago
【SMM Nickel Flash】Ipilan Nickel Project Expands Operations Amid Rising Production
15 hours ago
【SMM Nickel Flash】Ipilan Nickel Project Expands Operations Amid Rising Production
Read More
【SMM Nickel Flash】Ipilan Nickel Project Expands Operations Amid Rising Production
【SMM Nickel Flash】Ipilan Nickel Project Expands Operations Amid Rising Production
Ipilan Nickel Corporation is expanding mining operations at its Palawan nickel project as production and shipments increase. The company is developing additional mining areas and haul-road infrastructure to support higher output and exports to overseas buyers, including China. The project's Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) has been renewed through September 2043, providing a longer-term basis for continued mine development. Ipilan is also working to expand its production capacity, which could increase its contribution to Philippine nickel ore supply. The expansion comes as Philippine nickel miners seek to strengthen ore supply for overseas markets amid changing production patterns across key mining regions.
15 hours ago