April Nickel Ore Import Data Analysis [SMM Data]

According to the latest customs data, China's nickel ore imports in April amounted to 2.9421 million mt, up 90.8% MoM but down 7.7% YoY. Among these, nickel sulphide ore imports were approximately 247,000 mt, up 274.9% MoM and oxide ore imports at 2.6951 million mt, up 82.6% MoM.

Imports from the Philippines reached 2.5539 million mt, up 113.8% MoM, and from New Caledonia at 103,600 mt, down 44.4% MoM. Those from Australia were minimal.

2.6951 million mt of laterite nickel ores and 247,000 mt of sulphide ore were imported in April.

In the Philippines, the main source of nickel ore imports, over 80 shipments were completed in April, with low-grade nickel ore accounting for more than 60%.