[SMM Analysis] In May, nickel sulphate imports from Indonesia and Finland declined, while from South Korea increased.

Published: Jun 23, 2026 11:55
According to the latest data from China Customs, in May 2026, China's total imports of nickel sulphate reached 4,182 mt in metal content, down 36% MoM and up 4% YoY. China's exports of nickel sulphate stood at 76 mt in metal content, down 33% MoM and 39% YoY. In May 2026, China's net imports of nickel sulphate reached 4,182 mt in metal content, down 35% MoM and up 9% YoY.
According to the latest data from China Customs, in May 2026, China's total imports of nickel sulphate reached 4,182 mt in metal content, down 36% MoM and up 4% YoY. China's exports of nickel sulphate stood at 76 mt in metal content, down 33% MoM and 39% YoY. In May 2026, China's net imports of nickel sulphate reached 4,182 mt in metal content, down 35% MoM and up 9% YoY.

By country, exports to Japan and South Korea pulled back this month, dragging down total exports. On the import side, imports from Finland, Indonesia, and other countries saw a significant decline. Although imports from South Korea increased, total imports still experienced a notable pullback. This month, net imports of nickel sulphate declined, broadly in line with last month's expectations.

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 for 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
SMM Nickel Flash: NPI Market Weakens, Sentiment and Trading Sluggish in June
9 hours ago
SMM Nickel Flash: NPI Market Weakens, Sentiment and Trading Sluggish in June
Read More
SMM Nickel Flash: NPI Market Weakens, Sentiment and Trading Sluggish in June
SMM Nickel Flash: NPI Market Weakens, Sentiment and Trading Sluggish in June
[SMM Nickel Flash] June 24 - The SMM high-grade NPI market sentiment factor was 2.23, down 0.04 MoM. The upstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.59, down 0.08 MoM, and the downstream sentiment factor was 1.86, down 0.02 MoM. The NPI market weakened overall today, with extremely sluggish trading. The supply-demand price spread continued to widen. The substitution effect of steel scrap, combined with expectations of steel mill maintenance, doubly weighed on NPI demand.
9 hours ago
[SMM Analysis] May Hydrometallurgy Intermediate Products Import and Export
10 hours ago
[SMM Analysis] May Hydrometallurgy Intermediate Products Import and Export
Read More
[SMM Analysis] May Hydrometallurgy Intermediate Products Import and Export
[SMM Analysis] May Hydrometallurgy Intermediate Products Import and Export
10 hours ago
[SMM Flash News] Indonesia Reportedly Considering Easing Nickel Mining Quotas in H2; Unconfirmed by ESDM
12 hours ago
[SMM Flash News] Indonesia Reportedly Considering Easing Nickel Mining Quotas in H2; Unconfirmed by ESDM
Read More
[SMM Flash News] Indonesia Reportedly Considering Easing Nickel Mining Quotas in H2; Unconfirmed by ESDM
[SMM Flash News] Indonesia Reportedly Considering Easing Nickel Mining Quotas in H2; Unconfirmed by ESDM
Market rumors suggest that Indonesia may relax the restrictions on the annual nickel ore mining quota (RKAB) in the second half of this year. This move may alleviate the tight raw material supply situation of local smelting enterprises, but it may also put downward pressure on international nickel prices. According to an unnamed informed source, the government may adjust a significant amount of the total annual nickel ore mining quota in the middle of the year, and some nickel ore enterprises plan to submit applications for quota increases early next month. However, the news is currently highly uncertain. As of now, there have been no clear reports from local Indonesian media, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) of Indonesia has not issued any official news or statements to confirm the claim regarding a substantial quota revision. The plan to relax the quota still has significant uncertainties, and SMM will continue to closely monitor the actual progress and official developments of this event.
12 hours ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?Sign in here
[SMM Analysis] In May, nickel sulphate imports from Indonesia and Finland declined, while from South Korea increased. - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)