The rainy season in the Philippines ended, and China's nickel ore imports rebounded from a low level in March.

According to data from China's General Administration of Customs, nickel ore imports in March 2025 reached 1.5352 million mt, up 389,100 mt MoM, an increase of 33.95%. However, imports decreased by 6,900 mt YoY, a decline of 0.45%. Among these, laterite nickel ore accounted for 1.514 million mt, while nickel sulphide ore stood at 21,200 mt. Imports of laterite nickel ore from the Philippines totaled 1.2057 million mt, representing 78.53% of the total imports for the month. From January to March 2025, total nickel ore imports amounted to 3.5933 million mt, down 5.22% YoY. With the end of the rainy season in the Philippines, nickel ore supply gradually recovered, leading to a seasonal rebound in China's nickel ore imports. Data source: General Administration of Customs.