[NPI Daily Review] Back-and-Forth Negotiations Between Upstream and Downstream for High-Grade NPI, Prices Held Steady While Grade Premiums Remained High

Published: Mar 31, 2026 11:51
[SMM Daily Review: Back-and-Forth Negotiations Between Upstream and Downstream in High-Grade NPI, Prices Held Flat While Grade Premiums Remained High] March 31 News: SMM's upstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.78, down 0.05 MoM, while the downstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 1.54, flat MoM.

SMM News on March 31,

   March 31 News, SMM's market sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.16, down 0.02 MoM; the upstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.78, down 0.05 MoM; and the downstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 1.54, unchanged MoM. Supply side, cost support was evident, and most pig iron plants kept quotations at high levels, but under pressure from steel scrap and end-users, some traders' quotations came under pressure. Demand side, high-content NPI remained in short supply, with a clear premium between grades. Overall, amid back-and-forth negotiations between upstream and downstream, high-grade NPI prices held flat.

 

 

 

 

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
[SMM Nickel Sulphate Daily Review] April 17: Downstream Purchasing Sentiment Rebounded, Nickel Salt Prices Rose Significantly
2 hours ago
[SMM Nickel Sulphate Daily Review] April 17: Downstream Purchasing Sentiment Rebounded, Nickel Salt Prices Rose Significantly
Read More
[SMM Nickel Sulphate Daily Review] April 17: Downstream Purchasing Sentiment Rebounded, Nickel Salt Prices Rose Significantly
[SMM Nickel Sulphate Daily Review] April 17: Downstream Purchasing Sentiment Rebounded, Nickel Salt Prices Rose Significantly
On April 17, the SMM average price of battery-grade nickel sulphate rose significantly.
2 hours ago
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] EU Steel Safeguard Reached Amid Indonesia's Nickel Pricing Overhaul
5 hours ago
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] EU Steel Safeguard Reached Amid Indonesia's Nickel Pricing Overhaul
Read More
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] EU Steel Safeguard Reached Amid Indonesia's Nickel Pricing Overhaul
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] EU Steel Safeguard Reached Amid Indonesia's Nickel Pricing Overhaul
EU reached a trilogue agreement on new steel safeguards, featuring an 18.3 million tonne quota, a 50% out-of-quota tariff, and "melt-and-pour" rules. However, critics highlight a loophole for slabs and potential WTO compliance issues. Simultaneously, Indonesia's complete overhaul of its nickel pricing architecture is expected to hike downstream production costs for stainless steel and EVs by over 12%. Following these shifts, base metals surged on both LME and SHFE, with nickel leading gains by nearly 4%. Market volatility remains high as the industry adapts to these structural cost increases and trade barriers.
5 hours ago
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] April 16, 2026: Stainless Steel Market Highlights
20 hours ago
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] April 16, 2026: Stainless Steel Market Highlights
Read More
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] April 16, 2026: Stainless Steel Market Highlights
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] April 16, 2026: Stainless Steel Market Highlights
On April 16, 2026, the stainless steel market saw major shifts. The EU's move to cut quotas by 47% and double tariffs to 50% in July triggered panic buying in Europe. India extended BIS certification until late September to ensure supply flexibility. Supported by Indonesia’s HPM formula adjustments, export prices remain firm, with slight gains in Foshan 304 spot prices. Rising logistics costs due to Middle East tensions and new trade barriers are collectively pushing up global trade expenses.
20 hours ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here