[SMM Stainless Steel Market Flash] Outokumpu Backs Revised EU Steel Safeguards

According to SMM data, on August 18, the SMM battery-grade nickel sulphate average price fell by 50 yuan/mt from the previous day.

Indonesia’s key nickel-producing regions are expected to see generally favorable weather conditions this week. Central Sulawesi (Morowali) is forecast to experience minimal rainfall, supporting largely normal mining and logistics operations. Halmahera is also expected to see limited rainfall, with no significant weather-related disruptions anticipated. In the Philippines, Palawan is forecast to receive around 40–50 mm of rainfall, with moderate showers potentially affecting mine-road transportation and vessel loading, particularly toward the weekend. Surigao is expected to receive around 25–35 mm, with intermittent showers and a higher likelihood of rainfall on August 22–23, potentially causing minor disruptions to mining and logistics. Zambales faces a similar rainfall pattern at around 25–35 mm, with more frequent showers toward the weekend that could temporarily affect mining, transportation and port operations.