China hydrometallurgical intermediates import analysis

China hydrometallurgical intermediates import analysis

According to customs data, China imported 129,000 mt of nickel hydrometallurgy intermediate products in March, or 24,600 mt in nickel content (up 154% MoM and flat YoY). The resumption of imports from Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Australia, New Caledonia and Finland contributed to the increase. In February, the customs clearance volume dropped significantly due to the Spring Festival holiday, but it returned to normal levels in March.

China imported 30,900 mt of nickel matte in March, or 18,900 mt in nickel content (up 92% MoM and 69% YoY). The increase was mainly attributed to Indonesia. In March, The output of high-grade nickel matte in Sulawesi increased significantly compared with February.