Nickel Prices Rise Amid Cost Pressures, Stainless Steel Demand Subdued

Published: Mar 4, 2026 18:42
[SMM Nickel Flash] March 4 news: Supply side, nickel ore and auxiliary material prices continued to rise, upstream cost pressure gradually increased, and quotes remained firm. Demand side, steel scrap currently has a clear cost advantage, stainless steel selling prices were flat, and under losses pressure, purchasing sentiment was relatively subdued.

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 Stainless Steel Flash] Rising Molybdenum Costs Widen Spread, Indonesian Mill’s 304 and 316L Gap Reaches $1,850/mt
6 mins ago
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Rising Molybdenum Costs Widen Spread, Indonesian Mill’s 304 and 316L Gap Reaches $1,850/mt
Read More
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Rising Molybdenum Costs Widen Spread, Indonesian Mill’s 304 and 316L Gap Reaches $1,850/mt
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Rising Molybdenum Costs Widen Spread, Indonesian Mill’s 304 and 316L Gap Reaches $1,850/mt
On April 17, SMM reported that a major Indonesian stainless steel mill increased the price gap between 304 and 316L series from $1,800/mt to $1,850/mt. The widening spread is driven by the soaring price of molybdenum, a key element in 316L. Research indicates that molybdenum concentrate supply remains tight due to aging mining equipment, environmental production curbs, and export restrictions in major producing countries. Simultaneously, surging demand from aerospace and defense industries has further pushed up molybdenum product prices. Additionally, Indonesia's new nickel pricing formula and geopolitical risks have collectively raised the overall cost benchmark for the 300-series.
6 mins ago
[SMM Nickel Midday Review] Nickel Prices Surged Sharply on April 17 as Trump Said Lebanon and Israel Agreed to a 10-Day Ceasefire
17 mins ago
[SMM Nickel Midday Review] Nickel Prices Surged Sharply on April 17 as Trump Said Lebanon and Israel Agreed to a 10-Day Ceasefire
Read More
[SMM Nickel Midday Review] Nickel Prices Surged Sharply on April 17 as Trump Said Lebanon and Israel Agreed to a 10-Day Ceasefire
[SMM Nickel Midday Review] Nickel Prices Surged Sharply on April 17 as Trump Said Lebanon and Israel Agreed to a 10-Day Ceasefire
17 mins ago
[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 Nickel Flash] March 4 news: Supply side, nickel ore and auxiliary - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)