NPI Purchasing Sentiment Improves, Short-Term Prices Remain Relatively Stable With Strong Trend [SMM Nickel Morning Meeting Summary]
Mar 18, 2025 09:07Source:SMM
[3.18 Morning Meeting Summary]
Supply side, domestically, the current period is approaching the end of the rainy season in the Philippines. It will still take time for nickel ore supply to increase significantly. Nickel ore prices remain stable, and the weak production drive for smelters keeps production at low levels. In Indonesia, recent abundant rainfall, combined with tight nickel ore supply, has resulted in low nickel ore inventory levels at smelters. Despite the release of new capacity, production has only seen a slight increase.
Demand side, stainless steel futures orders are relatively strong. Additionally, with stainless steel scrap prices rising alongside finished product prices, the economic advantage of stainless steel scrap has weakened. Stainless steel mills have shown improved sentiment toward purchasing high-grade NPI, and market inquiries have been relatively active.
[3.18 Morning Meeting Summary]
Supply side, domestically, the current period is approaching the end of the rainy season in the Philippines. It will still take time for nickel ore supply to increase significantly. Nickel ore prices remain stable, and the weak production drive for smelters keeps production at low levels. In Indonesia, recent abundant rainfall, combined with tight nickel ore supply, has resulted in low nickel ore inventory levels at smelters. Despite the release of new capacity, production has only seen a slight increase.
Demand side, stainless steel futures orders are relatively strong. Additionally, with stainless steel scrap prices rising alongside finished product prices, the economic advantage of stainless steel scrap has weakened. Stainless steel mills have shown improved sentiment toward purchasing high-grade NPI, and market inquiries have been relatively active.