The Market Center of High-Grade NPI Rises, Prices Expected to Fluctuate Upward in the Short Term [NPI Daily Review]

SMM, February 11 -

      On February 11, the SMM 8-12% high-grade NPI average price was 955 yuan/mtu (ex-factory, tax included), up 4 yuan/mtu from the previous trading day. Supply side, domestically, Philippine nickel ore prices remained stable, while domestic smelters continued to operate at a loss, with production slightly recovering after seasonal maintenance. In Indonesia, overall production decreased in February, coupled with adjustments in production in a major region, leading to a slight decline in total output. Demand side, the stainless steel market has not fully recovered after the Chinese New Year holiday, with poor stainless steel sales and sluggish raw material procurement sentiment from steel mills. Some traders hold strong expectations for the market outlook, with active inquiries and robust market sentiment. Amid tightening availability of marketable resources, high-grade NPI prices are expected to fluctuate upward in the short term.