SMM Analysis On China October Nickel Sulphate Production And November Forecast

Published: Nov 13, 2024 10:04 (GMT+8)
Source: SMM
In October 2024, the national production of nickel sulphate was 28,700 mt in metal content, and 130,600 mt in physical content, down 11% MoM and 24.49% YoY.

In October 2024, the national production of nickel sulphate was 28,700 mt in metal content, and 130,600 mt in physical content, down 11% MoM and 24.49% YoY. In October, demand side, the production schedule of leading ternary cathode precursors increased due to the September-October peak season. However, some integrated enterprises reduced their self-produced nickel salt output due to inventory adjustments and active destocking, and slowed down the pace of procurement from nickel salt smelters. Supply side, nickel salt smelters reduced production due to the impact of downstream enterprises, leading to lower nickel salt output.

In November, with the introduction of macro policies, nickel prices fluctuated at high levels, and nickel salt smelters had a strong sentiment to stand firm on quotes. Additionally, downstream precursor plants increased their demand for nickel salt after adjusting their inventories, prompting nickel salt smelters to increase their production schedule. Currently, it is estimated that the national in metal content, and 133,300 mt in physical content, up 2.09% MoM and down 17.3% YoY.

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
【Flash | Tubacex October Mo-Bearing Tube Surcharges Are Mixed】
Oct 02, 2026 10:52 (GMT+8)
【Flash | Tubacex October Mo-Bearing Tube Surcharges Are Mixed】
Read More
【Flash | Tubacex October Mo-Bearing Tube Surcharges Are Mixed】
【Flash | Tubacex October Mo-Bearing Tube Surcharges Are Mixed】
Tubacex issued its October tube alloy surcharges. In euros, hot-/cold-finished 316/316L fell from €5.07/€5.59 per kg (€5,070/€5,590 per tonne) to €5.05/€5.56 per kg (€5,050/€5,560 per tonne). High Mo content materials, with Mo above 2.5%, declined from €5.26/€5.79 to €5.23/€5.76 per kg. Surcharges for 2205 and 2507 were unchanged, while 254 SMO rose from €9.64/€10.62 to €9.67/€10.65 per kg. SMM analysis: most Mo-bearing tube grades were flat or slightly lower, while 254 SMO moved higher, indicating differentiated cost transmission across grades.
Oct 02, 2026 10:52 (GMT+8)
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] India stainless scrap prices diverge as 304 eases with nickel and tight 316 holds firm
Oct 02, 2026 10:50 (GMT+8)
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] India stainless scrap prices diverge as 304 eases with nickel and tight 316 holds firm
Read More
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] India stainless scrap prices diverge as 304 eases with nickel and tight 316 holds firm
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] India stainless scrap prices diverge as 304 eases with nickel and tight 316 holds firm
India's stainless steel scrap market moved in different directions in the week ended 1 October. Domestic 304 scrap prices edged lower and import offers followed, while 316 prices held steady in both the domestic and import markets. Weaker LME nickel prices weighed on 304 sentiment, and buyers stuck to immediate requirements as trading slowed over the festive period. Tight availability limited downside for 316. On procurement, short processing windows following the government's relaxation of Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) requirements, along with additional import costs, continued to limit mills' flexibility. Some mills are evaluating billets, slabs and nickel pig iron (NPI) as alternatives to scrap to manage input costs. Looking further out, the EU's proposal to restrict metal waste exports to India under its new Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) would, if adopted, further narrow India's scrap import options. In the near term, 304 scrap faces mild downward pressure if nickel stays weak, while 316 is expected to remain firm as long as supply stays tight. PSIC developments and the relative economics of billets and NPI will be key factors to watch.
Oct 02, 2026 10:50 (GMT+8)
【Flash | Metallus Raises October Molybdenum Surcharge Component for 300M Steel】
Oct 02, 2026 10:47 (GMT+8)
【Flash | Metallus Raises October Molybdenum Surcharge Component for 300M Steel】
Read More
【Flash | Metallus Raises October Molybdenum Surcharge Component for 300M Steel】
【Flash | Metallus Raises October Molybdenum Surcharge Component for 300M Steel】
Metallus set its October raw-material surcharges for Oct 1–30. The Mo component for 300M steel rose 0.52% to $15.176/cwt, about $334.57/t of steel, from $15.098/cwt, or $332.85/t. The listed total surcharge increased 1.03% to $45.054/cwt. Scrap rose to $17.750/cwt, while the separate energy surcharge for bars and tubes fell from $1.296/cwt, about $28.57/t, to $0.050/cwt, or $1.10/t.
Oct 02, 2026 10:47 (GMT+8)