SMM Nickel News, April 17:
Macro and market news:
(1) On April 17, the State Council Information Office held a press conference in the "Getting Started on the 15th Five-Year Plan" series, introducing the promotion of high-quality economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The NDRC stated it would focus on expanding effective domestic demand and formulate an implementation plan for the strategy to expand domestic demand from 2026 to 2030.
(2) Trump said Lebanon and Israel agreed to a 10-day ceasefire; the Israeli PM agreed to the ceasefire and said troops would remain stationed in southern Lebanon; the Lebanese PM welcomed Trump's ceasefire announcement.
Spot market:
On April 17, SMM #1 refined nickel prices rose 750 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Spot premiums: Jinchuan #1 refined nickel averaged 2,350 yuan/mt, down 200 yuan/mt from the previous trading day; domestic mainstream brand electrodeposited nickel premiums ranged from -700-600 yuan/mt.
Futures market:
The most-traded SHFE nickel 2605 contract surged sharply in the morning session, touching 145,000 yuan/mt, and closed at 143,730 yuan/mt, up 1.54%.
Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) officially confirmed the implementation of the revised nickel ore benchmark price (HPM) calculation formula starting April 15, 2026, which is expected to significantly raise the floor support for nickel prices, driving a sharp rally. In the short term, nickel prices are expected to hold up well on sentiment following the release of the new pricing formula. Going forward, attention should be paid to the actual cost increase after the implementation of Indonesia's new HPM formula.
