High-Grade NPI Discount Widens, Still Insufficient for Large-Scale Nickel Matte Conversion

Published: Jul 17, 2026 18:03
[SMM Nickel Express] This week, the average discount of high-grade NPI over refined nickel widened slightly. Although the discount has widened, the current price spread has not yet reached the level needed to cover the conversion of NPI to high-grade nickel matte, and it does not provide the economic incentive to drive large-scale switching of smelting lines to produce high-grade nickel matte.

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
[SMM Nickel Express] This week, the average discount of high-grade NPI - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)