- Nickel-based SS plate prices rise for 4th straight month
- LME nickel surges on Indonesia supply worries
JapanMetalDaily: Japan Steel has announced a JPY 5,000/t ($32/t) increase in store prices for January contracts covering nickel-based stainless steel cold-rolled sheets and plates, along with chrome-based cold-rolled sheets. The hike is driven by higher alloy costs under the company’s alloy-linked pricing mechanism, supported by yen depreciation and rising raw material indices.
Nickel-based stainless steel plate prices have now increased for the fourth consecutive month, taking the cumulative hike since August contracts to ¥30,000/t. LME nickel prices have surged sharply since late last month, partly on reports that Indonesia may significantly curb nickel ore approvals in 2026, pushing prices to their highest levels in over a year.
Mill utilisation at thin and thick plate facilities remains steady at slightly above 80%. Meanwhile, Japan Steel highlighted a rise in imports of nickel-based cold-rolled sheets from non-target countries, potentially linked to diversion amid ongoing anti-dumping probes. The company stated it will closely monitor market trends and coordinate with authorities on further trade measures.
Note: This article has been written in accordance with a content exchange agreement between JapanMetalDaily and BigMint.
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