[NPI Daily Review] High-grade NPI Prices See Slight Rebound, Significant Fluctuations Unlikely Before Holiday

Published: Feb 6, 2026 15:16
[SMM Daily Review: High-Grade NPI Prices Edge Up, Significant Fluctuations Unlikely Before Holiday] February 6 - The average price of SMM 10-12% high-grade NPI was 1,040 yuan/mtu (ex-factory, tax included), up 2.5 yuan/mtu MoM from the previous working day.

SMM February 6 News,      

   On February 6, the SMM average price of 10-12% high-grade NPI was 1,040 yuan/mtu (ex-factory, tax included), up 2.5 yuan/mtu from the previous working day. The market sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.06, down 0.04 MoM; the upstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.84, down 0.07 MoM; and the downstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 1.28, flat MoM. Supply side, market offers were basically flat, with the price center showing a slight increase. Demand side, there was no large procurement demand before the holiday, but transactions were difficult to conclude at low prices. Overall, high-grade NPI prices saw a slight rebound, and significant fluctuations are unlikely to continue before the holiday.

 

 

 

 

 

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 to learn 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
Gulf disruption squeezes Indonesia nickel makers' sulphur supply
19 hours ago
Gulf disruption squeezes Indonesia nickel makers' sulphur supply
Read More
Gulf disruption squeezes Indonesia nickel makers' sulphur supply
Gulf disruption squeezes Indonesia nickel makers' sulphur supply
Due to the conflict in the Middle East, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted, raising the risk of tighter global sulphur supplies. Indonesia relies on the Middle East for around 75% of its sulphur imports, and sulphur is a key raw material for producing sulphuric acid, which is essential for leaching metals in nickel and copper processing. Analysts note that sulphur inventories at Indonesia’s HPAL nickel plants typically cover only one to two months of consumption. If transport disruptions persist, some plants may be forced to cut production as early as next month. Overall, if shipping disruptions in the Middle East continue for more than a few weeks, production and demand for related metals may need to slow.
19 hours ago
High-Grade NPI Prices Stay Elevated Post-Holiday, Narrowing Discount with Refined Nickel
Mar 6, 2026 18:13
High-Grade NPI Prices Stay Elevated Post-Holiday, Narrowing Discount with Refined Nickel
Read More
High-Grade NPI Prices Stay Elevated Post-Holiday, Narrowing Discount with Refined Nickel
High-Grade NPI Prices Stay Elevated Post-Holiday, Narrowing Discount with Refined Nickel
[SMM Nickel Flash] After the holiday, refined nickel prices pulled back, while high-grade NPI prices remained elevated, and the average discount of high-grade NPI versus refined nickel narrowed to 336.7 yuan/nickel unit. High-grade NPI prices are expected to still have upside room next week, while refined nickel prices are expected to decline MoM. The average discount of high-grade NPI versus refined nickel is expected to continue narrowing; however, supported by new energy orders, the conversion of NPI to high-grade nickel matte still has momentum.
Mar 6, 2026 18:13
[SMM Analysis] SS Weekly Review: Geopolitical Shocks and Cost Inflation Drive Prices as Market Faces Peak Season Test
Mar 6, 2026 18:13
[SMM Analysis] SS Weekly Review: Geopolitical Shocks and Cost Inflation Drive Prices as Market Faces Peak Season Test
Read More
[SMM Analysis] SS Weekly Review: Geopolitical Shocks and Cost Inflation Drive Prices as Market Faces Peak Season Test
[SMM Analysis] SS Weekly Review: Geopolitical Shocks and Cost Inflation Drive Prices as Market Faces Peak Season Test
Mar 6, 2026 18:13
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here