New electrowinning nickel capacity in China continues to ramp up production. The domestic electrowinning nickel is cheaper compared to Norilsk nickel and is of a similar quality, leading to a decline in the competitiveness of Norilsk nickel in the spot market. Consequently, this has resulted in a continuous accumulation of Norilsk nickel inventories. Additionally, based on SMM research, some domestic nickel plate traders are currently unwilling to continue signing long-term agreements for Norilsk nickel due to the impact of electrowinning nickel.



