The Stainless Steel Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell again this month. The slide of six points moved the index to 72 from the previous 78 reading. Lower nickel prices led the fall, while domestic stainless steel surcharges also fell.

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The drop in the index comes a result of a MetalMiner adjustment to a couple of metals that make up the Stainless MMI. The adjustment is not due to a dramatic fall in nickel or stainless prices.

LME Nickel

LME nickel prices traded lower in August and have continued to drop so far in September.

Nickel prices seemed more volatile in August than for the whole of 2018. Current prices have returned to January 2018 levels. Despite the recent downtrend, nickel prices have remained in an uptrend since last summer (June-July), when prices started to increase sharply.

Source: MetalMiner analysis of FastMarkets

A fundamental tightness in the nickel market could also add more support to nickel prices. Combined nickel stocks have fallen by 45% since the beginning of 2016. LME nickel stocks have fallen for 11 consecutive months, and currently stand at 248,328 tons (back to 2013 levels).

SHFE stocks have fallen by 82% since 2016, when SHFE stocks reached 110,000 tons. Current SHFE stock levels stand at 18,844 tons.

Domestic Stainless Steel Market

Domestic stainless steel surcharges fell for the second time since the beginning of the year. The 316/316L-coil NAS surcharge fell to $0.99/pound, while the 304/304L decreased to $0.70/pound.

Source: MetalMiner data from MetalMiner IndX(™)

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 appear well above 2015-2017 lows.

What This Means for Industrial Buyers

Stainless steel price momentum slowed down slightly this past 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. To understand how to adapt buying strategies to your specific needs on a monthly basis, request a free trial of our Monthly Outlook now.

Actual Stainless Steel Prices and Trends

Both Chinese 304 stainless steel coil fell by 1%, while Chinese 316 stainless steel coil prices increased this month by 3.02%.

MetalMiner’s Annual Outlook provides 2018 buying strategies for carbon steel

Chinese Ferrochrome prices decreased this month by 4.25%, falling to $1,848/mt. Nickel prices also fell 9.56% to $12,570/mt.

It was another busy month in the world of metals.

Then again, these days quiet months in metals or in trade, generally, are few and far between.

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Trade tensions continued to rise, as $34 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods went into effect (China responded in kind), and an additional $16 billion in tariffs are under review. This week, President Donald Trump announced the intention to impose an additional $200 billion in tariffs on China, ratcheting up the stakes even further.

Meanwhile, a Section 232 investigation focusing on imports of automobiles and automotive components is unfolding. More than 2,300 public comments were submitted as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s review process, and public hearings are scheduled for next week.

Meanwhile, in metals markets, most base metals were down last month, with steel being the exception.

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A few highlights from this month’s round of Monthly Metal Index (MMI) reports:

• Since peaking at $7,316/mt in June, the LME copper price dropped 12%.
• The subindex for grain-oriented electrical steel was the only MMI to post an increase on the month.
• The U.S. silver price hit its lowest level since January 2017, while U.S. gold bullion dropped to a one-year low.
• Aluminum prices were also part of the general downtrend, as prices continued to move away from this year’s April peak (after Russian companies and their owners, including aluminum giant Rusal, were slapped with sanctions by the U.S.).

Read about all of the above and much more by downloading the July MMI report below.

The Stainless Steel Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell slightly this month, down to 82 from 84.

Despite the fall in the Stainless Steel MMI, the index remains at February 2015 highs.

The index dropped due to a slight decrease in LME nickel prices in June. However, stainless steel surcharges inched higher again this month, remaining in a strong uptrend.

LME Nickel

In June, nickel price momentum slowed down slightly. However, the short-term slide in June came as a result of a general downtrend in base metals. LME nickel prices remain in a long-term uptrend since June 2017.

Nickel long-term prices. Source: MetalMiner analysis of FastMarkets

Buying organizations can expect higher prices in the coming months.

MetalMiner previously recommended buying some volume forward. Given the current uncertainty in the steel and stainless industries, nickel prices remain supported for the short term.

A fundamental tightness in the nickel market has also added support to the latest nickel price increases.

President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines announced a possible halt to mining in the country due to environmental damage. In June, 23 out of 27 mines passed an environmental review, easing the uncertainty of supply. However, nickel supply uncertainty still remains as a result of environmental measures.

Domestic Stainless Steel Market

Following the recovery in stainless steel momentum, domestic stainless steel surcharges increased again this month.

The 316/316L-coil NAS surcharge reached $1.06/pound, while the 304/304L went up to $0.7698.

Source: MetalMiner data from MetalMiner IndX(™)

The pace of stainless steel surcharge increases appears to have recovered its previous level again this month. Stainless steel surcharges remain in a clear uptrend and appear well above 2015-2017 lows.

What This Means for Industrial Buyers

Stainless steel 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.

To understand how to adapt buying strategies to your specific needs on a monthly basis, take a free trial to our Monthly Outlook now.

Actual Stainless Steel Prices and Trends

Chinese 304 stainless steel coil prices fell this month by 5.91%, while Chinese 316 stainless steel coil prices fell by 4.98%.

Chinese Ferrochrome prices decreased this month by 1% to $1,970/mt. Nickel prices fell 1.38% to $15,000/mt.

The Stainless Steel Monthly Metals Index (MMI) skyrocketed this month, increasing by seven points. The current reading stands at 84.

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The index inched higher driven by the increase in stainless steel surcharges and a sharp increase in LME nickel prices in May. Other related metals in the stainless steel basket also increased.

LME Nickel

Nickel price momentum seems to have recovered again.

LME nickel prices increased at a quicker pace in May. The increases continued through the beginning of June, driving prices to 2014 highs. 

Source: MetalMiner analysis of FastMarkets

LME nickel prices keep moving away from 2017 lows.

MetalMiner previously recommended buying some volume forward. Given the current uncertainty in the steel and stainless industries, nickel prices remain supported for the short term.

In addition, a fundamental tightness in the nickel market has added support to the latest nickel price increases.

Domestic Stainless Steel Market

Following the recovery in stainless steel momentum, domestic stainless steel surcharges increased again this month. The 316/316L-coil NAS surcharge reached $1.02/pound.

Source: MetalMiner data from MetalMiner IndX(™)

The pace of stainless steel surcharge increases, however, appears to have slowed again this month. Yet stainless steel surcharges remain in a clear uptrend and rest well above 2015-2017 lows.

What This Means for Industrial Buyers

Stainless steel momentum appears stronger this month, as steel prices are skyrocketing. As both steel and nickel remain in a bull market, buying organizations may want to follow the market closely for opportunities to buy on the dips.

To understand how to adapt buying strategies to your specific needs on a monthly basis, take a free trial of our Monthly Outlook now.

MetalMiner’s Annual Outlook provides 2018 buying strategies for carbon steel

Actual Stainless Steel Prices and Trends

Chinese 304 stainless steel coil prices increased again this month by 2.02%, while Chinese 316 stainless steel coil prices rose further by 6.61%. Chinese Ferrochrome prices increased this month by 2.9%, to $1,990/mt.

Nickel prices increased by 10.5% to $15,210/mt.

In May, the Stainless Steel Monthly Metals Index (MMI) once again inched one point higher. The current reading stands at 77 points.

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The subindex inched higher driven by increasing LME nickel prices. Meanwhile, other related metals in the stainless steel basket traded flat. Chinese ferrochrome alloy decreased for the second consecutive month, this month by 3.2%.

LME Nickel

In April, LME nickel prices increased sharply, following some of the other base metals uptrends (such as aluminum and copper).

LME nickel prices went up to $16,685/mt and then corrected. LME nickel prices in May remain in an uptrend, with current prices around $13,900/mt.

Source: MetalMiner analysis of FastMarkets

LME nickel prices remain in a long-term uptrend that started back in June 2017, when LME nickel prices hovered around $8,900/mt.

However, nickel price momentum seems slower now than it was back in 2017.

Since February, LME nickel prices have traded more sideways. Buying trading volume still supports the uptrend, which may result in increasing nickel prices in the coming months.

Domestic Stainless Steel Market

Following the recovery in stainless steel price momentum, domestic stainless steel surcharges increased again this month. The 316/316L-coil NAS surcharge reached $1.01/pound, while the 304/304L-coil NAS surcharge increased to $0.71/pound.

Source: MetalMiner data from MetalMiner IndX(™)

After last month’s sideways trend for NAS stainless steel surcharges, the uptrend has started again. The 316/316L-coil NAS surcharge is currently moving toward the January 2013 peak of $1.12/pound. The surcharge has breached previous high peaks already.

China Stainless Steel Market

An abundance of stainless steel in China came as a result of new production in Indonesia. The Chinese-owned stainless company Tsingshan started production last August in Indonesia, with an annual capacity of around 3 million tons by the end of 2018. This annual capacity equates to 6% of last year’s global stainless steel capacity.

Due to this increased production, China became a net importer of hot-rolled stainless coil already in December 2017 for the first time in more than seven years, according to the International Steel Statistics Bureau. Chinese stainless steel stocks have risen, while Chinese stainless steel prices have not. In fact, Chinese stainless steel price currently trade sideways.

The current divergence between increasing LME nickel prices and Chinese stainless steel prices, plus increasing stainless steel stocks, may drive some mills to cut production. 

MetalMiner’s Annual Outlook provides 2018 buying strategies for carbon steel

What This Means for Industrial Buyers

Stainless steel price momentum appears to be strong this month, as stainless steel surcharges increased sharply.

With nickel in a bull market, buying organizations may want to follow the market closely for opportunities to buy on the dips. Hedging nickel may result in potential savings opportunities for buying organizations.

To understand how to adapt buying strategies to your specific needs on a monthly basis, take a free trial of our Monthly Outlook now.

The Stainless Steel MMI (Monthly Metals Index) inched one point higher in April. The current reading is 76 points.

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The index’s increase was driven by the rise in stainless steel surcharges, despite slightly falling  LME nickel prices this month. Other related metals in the stainless steel basket increased.

LME Nickel

In April, nickel price momentum appears to have recovered from its previous pace.

LME nickel prices dropped in March, along with other base metals. However, the drop appears less sharp than for aluminum or copper. 

Source: MetalMiner analysis of FastMarkets

LME nickel prices remain high and far away from 2017 lows back in May or June, when MetalMiner recommended buying organizations buy some volume forward. Prices back at that time were around $8,800/mt versus the current $13,200/mt price level.

Domestic Stainless Steel Market

Following the recovery in stainless steel momentum, domestic stainless steel surcharges increased this month.

The 316/316L-coil NAS surcharge reached $0.96/pound. Therefore, buying organizations may want to look at surcharges to identify opportunities to reduce price risk either via forward buys or hedging.

Source: Source: MetalMiner data from MetalMiner IndX(™)

The pace of stainless steel surcharge increases appears to have slowed this month. However, surcharges have increased from 2017. The 316/316L-coil NAS surcharge is closer to $0.96/pound.

What This Means for Industrial Buyers

Stainless steel momentum appears stronger this month, with steel prices skyrocketing.

As both steel and nickel remain in a bull market, buying organizations may want to follow the market closely for opportunities to buy on the dips.

To understand how to adapt buying strategies to your specific needs on a monthly basis, take a free trial of our Monthly Outlook now.

MetalMiner’s Annual Outlook provides 2018 buying strategies for carbon steel

Actual Stainless Steel Prices and Trends

The Stainless Steel MMI (Monthly Metals Index) jumped four points again this month for a February reading of 75.

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In January, skyrocketing LME nickel prices drove the Stainless Steel MMI. Nickel prices have climbed above the $13,000/mt level. 304 and 316 surcharges increased this month, returning to their previous levels.

LME Nickel

Nickel prices increased sharply during January. However, prices decreased slightly in early  February. As reported previously by MetalMiner, nickel price volatility has increased over the past few months. Therefore, nickel prices may prove quite tumultuous from a short-term perspective and are trading within the orange-dotted band in the chart below.

Source: MetalMiner analysis of FastMarkets

The long-term nickel price uptrend also remains strong. Prices have moved toward June 2015 levels and already breached our October 2017 long-term resistance levels, as per our Annual Outlook. Therefore, nickel prices remain in a strong uptrend and could continue increasing in the coming months.

Domestic Stainless Steel Market

Following the recovery in stainless steel momentum, domestic stainless steel surcharges increased this month. Surcharges remain above last year’s lows (under $0.4/pound); they remain in an uptrend, even if their pace has slowed. However, buying organizations may want to look at surcharges closely to reduce risks, either via forward buys or hedging.

Source: MetalMiner data from MetalMiner IndX(™)

FerroChrome vs. Chrome Metal

Two months ago, MetalMiner reported on the anomaly between ferrochrome and chrome metal prices.

Source: MetalMiner data from MetalMiner IndX(™)

Ferrochrome (FeCr) is a chromium and iron alloy containing 50% to 70% chromium by weight. Historically, Ferrochrome and chrome prices correlate tightly but the high iron ore prices caused ferrochrome to spike. However, both prices (ferrochrome and chrome) have fallen back to their historical trading pattern of moving together.

What This Means for Industrial Buyers

Stainless steel momentum appears in recovery, similar to all the other forms of steel. As both steel and nickel remain in a bull market, buying organizations may want to follow the market closely for opportunities to buy on the dips. To understand how to adapt buying strategies to your specific needs on a monthly basis, take a free trial of our Monthly Outlook now.

MetalMiner’s Annual Outlook provides 2018 buying strategies for carbon steel

Actual Stainless Steel Prices and Trends

The Stainless MMI shot up 7 points this month, reaching summer 2015 levels. Skyrocketing nickel prices across all markets led to the jump.

Benchmark Your Current Metal Price by Grade, Shape and Alloy: See How it Stacks Up

Stainless steel surcharges have decreased for this month after increasing two consecutive months in August and September.

Source: MetalMiner data from MetalMiner IndX(™)

Stainless buying organizations will also want to review the potential impact of the latest electrode surcharge for stainless steel products.

Stainless Steel Market

Meanwhile, crude stainless steel output could hit 47.5 million tons for 2017. 2017 forecasted output would represent an increase of 3.8% compared to last year’s reading, also a record.

Domestic stainless steel output will likely have grown by 10% this year, totaling 2.75 million tons in 2017. In addition, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) announced in October the continuation of dumping and subsidization of stainless steel flanges from China and India. The estimated dumping margins range from  99.23-257.11% for China and 78.49-145.25% for India. Moreover, mills announced higher base prices starting in November.

2017 Chinese forecasted output will likely come in lower than expected due to capacity curtailments. However, recent data point to higher production during the summer months.

LME Nickel Skyrocketing

Sharp nickel price increases will directly impact stainless steel prices.

Source: MetalMiner analysis of FastMarkets

“Volatile” best describes nickel prices this year.

Recently, nickel prices rallied over the previous peak. MetalMiner pegged $12,380/mt as the upper level limit for nickel prices. However, nickel prices closed October over that level, with sharp increases in both prices and volumes. The latest price movement bolstered the nickel rally after the price pullback in September.

What This Means for Industrial Buyers

Stainless steel momentum may have taken a breather, just as all the other forms of steel did.

However, stainless steel prices appear to have additional momentum triggered by strong demand.

To understand how to adapt buying strategies to your needs, dive deeper into our Monthly Metal Buying Outlooks or you can take a free trial now.

To read more about longer term stainless steel price trends, download the free Annual Outlook.

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Actual Stainless Steel Prices and Trends

CME Group and Thomson Reuters will step down from providing the LBMA silver price benchmark auction, the London Bullion Market Association said on Friday, less than three years after they successfully bid to provide the process.

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“In consultation with the LBMA, CME Group and Thomson Reuters have decided to step down from their respective roles in relation to the LBMA Silver Price auction,” the LBMA said in a members update seen by Reuters.

The two will continue to operate and administer the silver auction until a new provider is appointed, the LBMA said. It will launch a new tender to appoint an alternative provider to operate the process “shortly”, it said.

“We would be looking to identify a new provider in the summer, and have the new platform up and running in the autumn,” an LBMA spokesman said.

The two companies launched the LBMA silver price in August 2014 to replace the telephone-based London silver “fix,” which had been in operation for more than a century, with an electronic, auction-based and auditable alternative.

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CME Group provides the electronic auction platform for the benchmark, while Thomson Reuters is responsible for administration and governance. The LBMA owns the intellectual property rights.

Philippines Might Consider Indonesia-Style Ore Export Ban

The Philippines may consider banning exports of raw minerals to encourage domestic processing and boost the value of shipments, an environment official said on Friday, as the government looks to extract more from its mining sector after a crackdown.

Our stainless MMI gained in February as nickel prices rebounded. Prices had fallen in December and January as Indonesia relaxed its ban on exports of nickel ore. But nickel bulls ran over the bears last month as the Philippines ordered more mine shutdowns. As we expected, the shutdowns in the Philippines are a great driver of prices.

On February 2, the Philippines ordered the closure of 21 mines, and seven others could be suspended. The nickel mines recently ordered to shut down account for about 50% of the country’s annual output. As a result, investors sent nickel back to $11,000 per metric ton by the end of February.

Benchmark Your Current Metal Price by Grade, Shape and Alloy: See How it Stacks Up

Stainless buyers will need to monitor nickel’s supply. These two major producer nations’ actions will continue to move the gauge on price direction this year. Meanwhile, the demand side of the equation will likely limit any significant downside in nickel prices this year.

The Caixin Manufacturing PMI in China beat market expectations in February, rising to 51.7 from 51 in January. It marked the eighth straight month of growth, driven by faster rises in output and new orders. In addition, stock markets in China hit new highs, signaling that investors’ sentiment on China’s economy remains strong. This is usually a bullish sign for industrial metal prices, including nickel. This relationship has been really strong since China became the world’s top producer and consumer of commodities. In the U.S., the closely watched ISM manufacturing index hit 57.7 in February, marking the highest level since August 2014.

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Also in February, the Department of Commerce placed final, affirmative anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of stainless steel sheet and strip from China. Domestic flat-rolled mills are benefiting from these actions, with lead times of eight weeks.

What This Means For Metal Buyers

Industrial metals continue to rise on robust demand and shrinking supply. The supply/demand fundamentals of the nickel industry look more complex than those of other base metals. However, higher import duties in stainless markets and the ongoing bullish sentiment on industrial metals will at least, prevent nickel prices from significant downside moves.

On February 2, the Philippines ordered the closure of 21 mines, and seven others could be suspended. The nickel mines recently ordered to shut down account for about 50% of the country’s annual output. As a result, investors sent nickel back to $11,000 per metric ton by the end of February.

Benchmark Your Current Metal Price by Grade, Shape and Alloy: See How it Stacks Up

Stainless buyers will need to monitor nickel’s supply. These two major producer nations’ actions will continue to move the gauge on price direction this year. Meanwhile, the demand side of the equation will likely limit any significant downside in nickel prices this year.

The Caixin Manufacturing PMI in China beat market expectations in February, rising to 51.7 from 51 in January. It marked the eighth straight month of growth, driven by faster rises in output and new orders. In addition, stock markets in China hit new highs, signaling that investors’ sentiment on China’s economy remains strong. This is usually a bullish sign for industrial metal prices, including nickel. This relationship has been really strong since China became the world’s top producer and consumer of commodities. In the U.S., the closely watched ISM manufacturing index hit 57.7 in February, marking the highest level since August 2014.

Two-Month Trial: Metal Buying Outlook

Also in February, the Department of Commerce placed final, affirmative anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of stainless steel sheet and strip from China. Domestic flat-rolled mills are benefiting from these actions, with lead times of eight weeks.

What This Means For Metal Buyers

Industrial metals continue to rise on robust demand and shrinking supply. The supply/demand fundamentals of the nickel industry look more complex than those of other base metals. However, higher import duties in stainless markets and the ongoing bullish sentiment on industrial metals will at least, prevent nickel prices from significant downside moves.