SMM Nickel Market Morning Comment (Oct 18)

The following table shows the ferrous and nonferrous metals movement on the SHFE and DCE on 16 Jul , 2026

According to feedback from an Indian refinery, the relevant national authorities have issued a directive to prioritise domestic sulfur supply and ban exports, in order to safeguard local availability. Trade data shows that India's sulfur exports are heavily concentrated on the Chinese market. According to WITS data, in 2024 India's exports of crude or unrefined sulphur totalled approximately US$81.02 million, with a volume of about 805.2 million kg (approximately 805,200 tonnes). Among this, exports to China reached US$78.33 million, with a volume of about 797.2 million kg (approximately 797,200 tonnes), accounting for roughly 99% of India's total sulfur exports. Other major destinations included Tanzania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Australia, but in very limited quantities. Previously, Indian industry lobbying groups had repeatedly called on the New Delhi government to ban sulfur exports. Of India's annual sulfur demand of about 2 million tonnes, more than half is met by imports, nearly half of which come from the Middle East. The immediate trigger for this export ban is the severe disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz caused by geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, which has continuously tightened global sulfur supply.

Turkish manufacturer Ukinox plans to establish a US$14 million stainless steel kitchen sink facility in Egypt's Sokhna Industrial Zone, covering 37,000 square meters with an annual production capacity of 1.2 million units for both domestic and international markets. Initial production is scheduled to commence in mid-2028, creating 220 direct jobs. The investment aligns with Egypt's strategy to attract specialized engineering industries, localize advanced manufacturing, and expand export-oriented enterprises. The industrial hub is managed by the Suez Canal Economic Zone's Main Development Company (MDC), offering direct access to advanced infrastructure and proximity to Sokhna seaport to strengthen regional and global supply chain integration.