NPI Market Weakens as Steel Mills Lower Bids and Downstream Buyers Accept Discounts

Published: Aug 31, 2026 15:06

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[SMM Nickel Flash] On August 31, The NPI market kept weak today. Steel mills have further lowered their procurement bids, with major steel mills offering relatively low purchase intentions. Downstream buyers have shown a willingness to accept discounts for 10‑11% grade material. Actual market transactions remain scarce; only a small number of sporadic deals have been closed, and the negotiation benchmark continues to drift lower.

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