[SMM Nickel Sulphate Daily Review] February 13: Trading Sluggish Before the Holiday, Nickel Salt Prices Remain Stable

Published: Feb 13, 2026 13:39

Save

On February 13, the SMM battery-grade nickel sulphate index price was 31,635 yuan/mt, with the quotation range for battery-grade nickel sulphate at 31,400–32,500 yuan/mt, and the average price remained unchanged from the previous day.

On February 13, the SMM battery-grade nickel sulphate index price was 31,618 yuan/mt, with the quotation range for battery-grade nickel sulphate at 31,400-32,500 yuan/mt. The average price was flat from yesterday.

Cost side, stronger risk-off sentiment in the commodity market due to better-than-expected US non-farm payrolls data the day before and the impact of the Chinese New Year led to a noticeable pullback in nickel prices today, driving down the immediate production cost of nickel sulphate. Supply side, some producers have suspended quotations as they approach shutdowns for the Chinese New Year holiday, with relatively weak shipment sentiment upstream. Demand side, some producers have already stocked up on raw materials for the holiday and showed weak acceptance of high-priced nickel salt. Today, the willingness to sell sentiment factor for upstream nickel salt smelters was 1.7, the purchasing sentiment factor for downstream precursor plants was 2.3, and the sentiment factor for integrated enterprises was 2.3 (historical data can be queried by logging into the database).

Looking ahead, post-holiday market trading sentiment is expected to rebound, while attention should also be paid to the impact of nickel price trends on nickel sulphate production costs.

Finally, we wish everyone an early Happy New Year and great fortune in the Year of the Horse!

[For more content, subscribe to SMM Nickel Research Group products "China Nickel-Chrome-Stainless Steel Industry Chain Regular Report" and "China Nickel-Chrome-Stainless Steel Industry Chain High-End Report" to obtainthe latest data analysis and market insights on nickel ore, nickel pig iron (China + Indonesia), refined nickel, nickel sulphate, chrome ore,ferrochrome, and stainless steel (China + Indonesia)!]

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

11 hours ago

[SMM Stainless Steel Market Flash] Scrap Surge and Geopolitics Raise Cost Pressure on EU Mills

According to market reports, European stainless mills are facing mounting cost pressure from both geopolitics and raw materials. Concerns linked to the US-Iran conflict are adding uncertainty to energy and input costs, while 304 scrap has climbed to €1,400/t delivered across most EU countries this month. The continued rise in costs is becoming a key support factor for higher stainless steel prices in Europe.

11 hours ago

[SMM Stainless Steel Market Flash] European Mills Lift July CRC Offers to €2,700/t Delivered

According to market reports, European mills are closing June order books and beginning to quote for July delivery. Market indications show CRC deals for May delivery were concluded at around €2,550-2,570/t delivered, while June delivery is being offered and achieved at €2,600-2,630/t delivered. July offers have now reached €2,700/t delivered, pointing to a further upward shift in the European stainless CRC price base.

11 hours ago

[SMM Stainless Steel Market Flash] European Stainless Flats Keep Rising as Sentiment Stays Cautious

According to market reports, European stainless flat steel prices continue to rise sharply, but overall market sentiment remains cautious. Feedback from the Tube & Wire trade show in Düsseldorf suggests that geopolitical uncertainty, subdued downstream activity, and a mixed outlook for end-users are still weighing on confidence. Although demand has improved from the weak levels seen in 2025, real end-user activity remains disappointing.

11 hours ago