Stainless MMI: LME Nickel, Stainless Surcharges Drop
The Stainless Steel Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell again this month. The slide of four points moved the index to 78 from the previous 82 reading. The index fell back to May 2018 levels.
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The index dropped due to a slight fall in LME nickel prices in July. However, LME nickel prices seem to have recovered again. Stainless steel surcharges also fell this month.
However, stainless steel surcharges remain in a strong uptrend.
LME Nickel
In July, nickel price momentum slowed slightly.
However, LME nickel prices — and the base metals complex, in general — are showing strength so far again this month.
Despite the two-month downtrend, nickel prices have remained in an uptrend since last summer (June-July), when prices started to increase sharply.
Prices fell starting in June 2018 from the $15,895/mt level toward the current $13,825/mt level. Buying volume appears stronger than selling volume and, therefore, supports the uptrend.
A fundamental tightness in the nickel market could also add more support to nickel prices.
The Philippines government confirmed that just 23 out of the 27 mines that operate in the world’s second-largest nickel-producing country will continue to operate. The remaining four will likely close. The decision comes from a previous report (released in July).
Domestic Stainless Steel Market
Domestic stainless steel surcharges fell for the first time since the beginning of the year.
The 316/316L-coil NAS surcharge fell to $1/pound, while the 304/304L decreased to 0.73/pound.
The pace of stainless steel surcharge increases seems to have slowed this month, along with steel (and stainless steel) price increases. However, stainless steel surcharges remain in a clear uptrend and are well above 2015-2017 lows.
What This Means for Industrial Buyers
Stainless steel price momentum slowed down slightly this month. However, both steel and nickel remain in a bull market.
Therefore, buying organizations may want to follow the market closely for opportunities to buy on the dips.
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Actual Stainless Steel Prices and Trends
Both Chinese 304 stainless steel coil and Chinese 316 stainless steel coil prices fell this month by 2.78%.
Chinese Ferrochrome prices decreased this month by 2.04%, to $1,930/mt.
Nickel prices fell 7.33% to $13,900/mt.
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