Report Summary 1. Investment Rating No investment rating for the industry is provided in the report. 2. Core Views - **L利多因素**: The price of nickel ore remains firm, with strong price - holding intentions from mines, and rising sea freight costs support the cost. Policy disturbances in Indonesia (such as shortened quotas) and favorable new - energy policies strengthen the expectation of a strong supply chain [3]. - **利空因素**: Stainless steel has entered the traditional off - season for demand, increasing the pressure to reduce inventory and suppressing consumption. The supply of nickel ore from the Philippines is expected to loosen, and combined with high - level inventory fluctuations, the supply - demand contradiction has weakened [3]. - **交易咨询观点**: There are limited changes in the fundamentals. Nickel price fluctuations are mainly driven by market sentiment and macro factors, and there is no obvious supply - demand contradiction [3]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs **Market Data** - **镍期货**: The latest value of SHFE nickel main contract is 122,270 yuan/ton, with a weekly increase of 1,550 yuan and a weekly increase rate of 1.28%. The latest value of LME nickel 3M is 15,355 dollars/ton, with a weekly increase of 165 dollars and an increase rate of 1.17%. The trading volume increased by 60.25% week - on - week, while the position decreased by 6.9% week - on - week [4]. - **不锈钢期货**: The latest value of the stainless - steel main contract is 12,730 yuan/ton, with a weekly increase of 170 yuan and an increase rate of 1%. The trading volume decreased by 9.97% week - on - week, and the position decreased by 8.28% week - on - week [4]. - **现货价格**: The latest value of Jinchuan nickel is 124,550 yuan/ton, with a daily increase of 800 yuan and an increase rate of 0.65%. The latest value of imported nickel is 122,750 yuan/ton, with a daily increase of 900 yuan and an increase rate of 0.74% [4]. - **库存情况**: The domestic social inventory of nickel is 37,843 tons, a decrease of 380 tons compared to the previous period. The LME nickel inventory is 202,470 tons, a decrease of 1,158 tons. The stainless - steel social inventory is 978 tons, a decrease of 14.1 tons, and the nickel pig iron inventory is 37,534 tons, an increase of 2,924 tons [4][6]. **Supply and Inventory of Primary Nickel** - **产量情况**: The report presents the seasonal production of China's refined nickel, total monthly supply of primary nickel including imports, nickel - iron production in China and Indonesia [14][18][20]. - **库存情况**: It shows the seasonal changes in domestic social inventory (nickel plates + nickel beans) and LME nickel inventory, as well as the seasonal changes in nickel ore inventory at Chinese ports [15][16]. **Downstream Sulfuric Acid Nickel** - **价格情况**: The average price of battery - grade nickel sulfate and its premium over primary nickel (plates) are presented, along with the seasonal profit margins of producing nickel sulfate from nickel beans and producing electrowon nickel from externally purchased nickel sulfate [22][24][26]. - **产量情况**: The monthly production of nickel sulfate in China and the seasonal production capacity of ternary precursors are shown [28]. **Stainless Steel** - **利润率情况**: The seasonal profit margin of China's 304 stainless - steel cold - rolled coils is presented [29]. - **产量和库存情况**: The seasonal production and inventory of stainless steel are shown [30][32].

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Ratings - Nickel: No clear investment rating provided, but analysis suggests potential downward pressure and limited upside [4] - Stainless Steel: No clear investment rating, expected to trade in a narrow range [5] - Industrial Silicon: Recommended for short - selling, with limited upside potential [30] - Polysilicon: Suggested to hold positions cautiously and wait for policy details [30] - Lithium Carbonate: Recommended to short on rallies, with attention on upper - limit pressure [56] - Palm Oil: In a weak - reality, strong - expectation situation. Short - term seasonal short - selling is possible, and long - position building at low levels can be considered in late Q3 [85] - Soybean Oil: Weak reality persists, waiting for effective drivers from the US soybean side [84] 2. Core Views - **Nickel and Stainless Steel**: The support at the nickel ore end is weakening, and the smelting end restricts the upside of nickel prices. Stainless steel is in a situation of weak supply and demand, with limited upward momentum for prices [4][5] - **Industrial Silicon and Polysilicon**: The upside of industrial silicon is limited, and short - selling is recommended. Polysilicon should be observed for policy details, and short - selling can be considered after the market sentiment subsides [30][34] - **Lithium Carbonate**: The futures profit margin is open, but the upward pressure is significant due to factors such as anti - cut - throat competition and the cancellation of US new - energy subsidies [56][57] - **Palm Oil and Soybean Oil**: Palm oil is currently influenced by international oil prices, with a weak - reality, strong - expectation situation. Soybean oil's weak reality continues, waiting for effective drivers from the US soybean side [84][85] 3. Summary by Related Catalogs **Nickel and Stainless Steel** - **Price Movement**: The Shanghai nickel main contract and stainless steel main contract showed certain price fluctuations. For example, the Shanghai nickel main contract closed at 122,270 yuan/ton [14] - **Supply and Demand**: Nickel ore support is weakening, and stainless steel supply and demand are both weak. The nickel - iron inventory has reached a historical high [4][5] - **Inventory Changes**: China's refined nickel social inventory increased, while LME nickel inventory decreased. Stainless steel social inventory decreased slightly [6][7] - **Market News**: There were various events such as potential export restrictions on nickel from Canada, project startups and shutdowns in Indonesia, and policy - related news in the Philippines and Indonesia [10][11] **Industrial Silicon and Polysilicon** - **Price Movement**: Industrial silicon futures fluctuated widely, and spot prices rose. Polysilicon futures rose significantly, and spot prices increased [30] - **Supply and Demand**: Industrial silicon inventory decreased, and polysilicon upstream inventory continued to accumulate. The supply and demand of both showed different trends [31][32] - **Market Outlook**: Industrial silicon is recommended for short - selling, and polysilicon should be observed for policy details [34][35] **Lithium Carbonate** - **Price Movement**: The lithium carbonate main contract fluctuated upwards, with different price changes in futures and spot markets [56] - **Supply and Demand**: Supply is expected to remain high, but demand is suppressed by factors such as anti - cut - throat competition and US subsidy cancellation. Inventory continues to increase [57][58] - **Market Outlook**: Short - selling on rallies is recommended, and attention should be paid to the upper - limit pressure [59] **Palm Oil and Soybean Oil** - **Price Movement**: Palm oil 09 contract rose 1.15% last week, and soybean oil 09 contract fell 0.72% [84] - **Supply and Demand**: Palm oil has a situation of uncertain production and potential supply - demand changes. Soybean oil's weak reality persists [84][85] - **Market Outlook**: Palm oil is in a weak - reality, strong - expectation situation, and soybean oil is waiting for effective drivers from the US soybean side [84][85]

Report Industry Investment Rating The report does not mention the industry investment rating. Core Viewpoints of the Report - In 2025, the global primary nickel supply will continue to increase, with an overall surplus, and the nickel price center will shift downward. The lower limit of the nickel price will approach the MHP integrated cost, and the upper limit will approach the RKEF nickel matte integrated cost. It is expected that the Shanghai nickel will trade between 110,000 - 130,000 yuan/ton in the second half of 2025 [6][12][13]. - The demand growth rate of stainless steel has declined, mainly due to the suppression of overseas tariff barriers on the production and sales of stainless steel end - products. The supply side has full elasticity, the over - capacity contradiction remains unchanged, and the cost reduction opens up the downward space for stainless steel. It is estimated that the stainless steel will oscillate between 12,200 - 13,500 yuan/ton in the second half of the year [1][22]. Summary According to the Directory 1. Persistent Excess Pattern of Primary Nickel - **Global Primary Nickel Supply - Demand Balance Sheet: Persistent Excess Situation** - In the first half of 2025, the global primary nickel supply was about 1.84 million tons, a year - on - year increase of about 10%. The consumption in the stainless steel and alloy industries had a relatively high growth rate. There was a slight inventory accumulation in the first half of the year. - For the second half of 2025, both supply and demand are expected to grow. The annual supply is expected to reach 3.77 million tons, with a year - on - year growth rate of about 4.7%, and the consumption is about 3.65 million tons, with a year - on - year growth rate of 4.9%. The annual surplus is expected to be 150,000 tons [30]. - **China's Primary Nickel Supply - Demand Still in Excess** - In the first half of 2025, China's primary nickel total supply was about 1.14 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 5.6%, with inventory accumulation of 120,000 tons. - In 2025, it is expected to maintain a double - growth in supply and demand. The annual primary nickel total supply is expected to be 2.5 million tons, consumption is 2.28 million tons, and the surplus is 250,000 tons [33][34]. 2. Primary Nickel Supply - **Collision between Traditional and Emerging Nickel Supply** - Since 2022, some high - cost nickel mines globally have reduced or stopped production, with a total reduction capacity of 360,000 tons of metal. In 2024, there were many reduction and shutdown projects in Australia and other regions. - The main variables in global primary nickel supply come from emerging nickel suppliers. Indonesia's nickel - iron new capacity is the largest part of the global primary nickel supply increment, and intermediate products such as wet - process MHP and high - grade nickel matte have a direct impact on refined nickel supply and demand [37][38][39]. - **Gradual Growth of Nickel Intermediate Product Supply** - In 2024, some new nickel wet - process and high - ice nickel capacities were put into production, and there are still more than 500,000 tons of wet - process under - construction and planned capacities. However, the actual production situation needs continuous tracking due to uncertainties in wet - process capacity production and the decline in the market share of ternary batteries [45]. - **China's Refined Nickel Production Remains at a High Level** - From January to May 2025, China's refined nickel cumulative production was 175,834 tons, a cumulative year - on - year increase of 43.91%. The import and export volume of refined nickel also increased significantly [59]. 3. Refined Nickel Consumption - **Sulfuric Acid Nickel's Consumption of Pure Nickel Remains Almost Zero** - Due to the large losses in the self - dissolution of nickel beans into sulfuric acid nickel in recent years, the consumption of refined nickel in the new energy sector has declined rapidly, and currently, nickel beans are basically not used to produce sulfuric acid nickel [67]. - **Growth in Electroplating and Stainless Steel Industries** - The downstream consumption of refined nickel is mainly concentrated in alloy, stainless steel, and electroplating industries, with alloy consumption accounting for about 55%, stainless steel about 20%, and electroplating about 15%. The consumption of electrolytic nickel in stainless steel, electroplating, and alloy industries increased year - on - year in the first half of the year, and it is expected to continue to grow in the second half of the year [10][68][71]. 4. Stainless Steel Sector - **Stainless Steel Capacity Statistics** - In 2025, China plans to add about 5.56 million tons of new stainless steel capacity, and Indonesia plans to add 1 million tons. However, due to many influencing factors and poor industry profit conditions, the future production progress is expected to be relatively slow [80]. - **Stainless Steel Production Statistics** - As of June 2025, the cumulative production of national stainless steel crude steel was 19.8466 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 9.03%. It is expected that the annual production of stainless steel crude steel will be about 41.5 million tons [85]. - **Stainless Steel Import and Export Data Statistics** - From January to May 2025, China's stainless steel imports decreased year - on - year, and exports increased year - on - year. The net export volume increased significantly. The import decline was mainly due to the reduction of cold - rolled coil imports from Indonesia, and the export decline in May was mainly affected by the uncertainty of global tariff policies [98]. - **Analysis of Stainless Steel Terminal Industry Consumption** - The terminal consumption of 300 - series stainless steel is relatively dispersed. The real estate sector is the main drag factor, while the home appliance sector is the main consumption boost factor [104]. - **Statistics of Stainless Steel Profit Level** - As of early July 2025, the profit level of the stainless steel industry was low, and most enterprises faced great cost pressure [127]. - **Difficulty in Changing the Excess Supply - Demand Pattern of Stainless Steel** - Since 2022, the supply and demand of stainless steel have been in a state of excess. The subsequent production of stainless steel capacity to be put into production may not meet expectations, and the actual demand may be less than expected due to the uncertainty of global trade [133]. 5. Nickel - Stainless Steel Industry Chain Inventory - **Continuous Increase in Refined Nickel Inventory** - From December 27, 2024, to June 27, 2025, the global refined nickel visible inventory increased by 32,099 tons to 240,885 tons, and part of the inventory was converted into invisible inventory [11][134]. - **Relatively Stable Nickel - Iron Inventory** - Affected by the seasonality of Philippine nickel ore exports, China's nickel ore port inventory is at a medium level in the same period of history, and the nickel - iron spot inventory is at a relatively high position compared with the same period last year [139]. - **Summary of Stainless Steel Social Inventory and Futures Warehouse Receipt Data** - As of July 3, 2025, the social inventory of 300 - series stainless steel may remain at a high level in the third quarter and gradually decrease in the fourth quarter. The futures warehouse receipt decreased after reaching the highest level in March - early April, and the overall stainless steel inventory pressure still exists [141][142].

Core Viewpoint - Indonesia's announcement to jointly develop nickel mining projects with the United States has become a focal point in international discourse, reflecting the strategic maneuvering of resource-rich countries caught between the U.S. and China [1][3]. Group 1: Economic and Strategic Implications - The decision to use nickel as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the U.S. indicates Indonesia's response to the dual pressures of technological revolution and geopolitical challenges faced by resource-exporting countries [3]. - Nickel's significance is increasingly highlighted in the context of international competition, particularly in the production of high-nickel ternary materials essential for electric vehicle batteries [3][5]. - Indonesia possesses 20% of the world's nickel reserves, yet its domestic smelting capacity heavily relies on Chinese investments, leading to a dilemma between resource sovereignty and economic development [5][11]. Group 2: Risks and Concerns - The shift towards U.S. collaboration poses risks, as existing nickel smelting projects in Indonesia may face challenges in adapting to new technical standards and environmental regulations, potentially disrupting the established Chinese technology framework [8][9]. - Indonesian business leaders express concerns that this abrupt diplomatic shift could undermine a decade's worth of industrial development [9]. - The potential conflict between U.S. and Chinese technological standards raises questions about the long-term viability of Indonesia's nickel industry if it pivots towards American investments [11]. Group 3: Broader Context and Future Outlook - The dynamics of the nickel mining negotiations reflect a broader trend of resource nationalism, which may reshape global supply chain structures, as seen in the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act [15]. - The future trajectory of the nickel mining negotiations will depend on multiple variables, including whether the U.S. will accept nickel cooperation as a substitute for tariff threats, given Indonesia's current smelting capabilities [15]. - The situation serves as a warning to all resource-exporting countries that natural resource endowments must be transformed into genuine industrial competitiveness to gain leverage in great power rivalries [15][17].

Core Insights - ESG has evolved from a moral advocacy to a core competitive advantage and survival rule for companies in the context of global climate crisis and resource constraints [1] - Bloomberg projects that ESG investment will reach $40 trillion by 2030, emphasizing the need for companies to seek growth within the framework of environmental limits, social justice, and transparent governance, particularly in resource-intensive industries [1] Financial Performance - In 2024, the company achieved a revenue of 29.233 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year growth of 38.8%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.773 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 68.7% [3] - This growth underscores the synergy between environmental investment and economic benefits, showcasing a win-win model [3] ESG Practices - The company has implemented a waste heat recovery system at its acid plant since 2021, capturing heat generated during production to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions [5] - Through technological innovation, the company has transformed environmental investments into cost savings and tangible financial benefits, demonstrating the effectiveness of a circular economy approach [5] Resource Utilization - Nickel slag is repurposed into artificial coral reefs, turning waste into valuable materials for marine ecological engineering, showcasing the company's commitment to resource recycling [5] - The company initiated an artificial coral reef planting project in the OBI industrial park in 2021, utilizing nickel slag mixed with other materials [5] Social Responsibility - The company promotes social harmony by supporting education, cultural development, and sports, including donations to local educational institutions and sports initiatives [6] - In its international operations, the company emphasizes local social responsibility, contributing to infrastructure development such as schools and medical centers, enhancing local living conditions and employee satisfaction [6] Competitive Advantage - As carbon neutrality shifts from policy constraints to market mechanisms, ESG capabilities are becoming a new dividing line for corporate competitiveness [7] - The company's value lies in balancing economic and social benefits, providing a reference model for the industry in creating green productivity [7]

Group 1 - The core issue of rare earths has become a significant point of contention in US-China negotiations, with Indonesia emerging as a potential partner for the US in rare earth projects [1][2] - Indonesia possesses the fifth-largest rare earth reserves globally, estimated at 12 million tons, but faces challenges such as outdated extraction technology and an incomplete industrial chain [2][4] - The US Inflation Reduction Act offers high green subsidies for qualifying mineral exports, which Indonesia aims to leverage by including nickel and rare earth exports in this framework to secure stable funding [4][8] Group 2 - Indonesia is under pressure to achieve an 8% GDP growth target and requires foreign investment, with the US's rare earth cooperation potentially providing additional technology transfer and market access [8][10] - The cooperation with the US is part of Indonesia's broader "great power balancing" diplomatic strategy, maintaining a neutral stance between China and the US while seeking to diversify its partnerships [10][12] - Indonesia aims to enhance its influence within ASEAN by rapidly increasing production capacity through US resources, positioning itself as the leading battery production country in Southeast Asia [14] Group 3 - China holds 88% of global rare earth refining technology, meaning that even if Indonesia collaborates with the US for raw material extraction, it will still rely on China for processing [16][18] - China's investment strategy in Indonesia has deeply integrated its economy, with significant projects like battery production centers creating substantial employment and infrastructure development [18][20] - China is also working on diversifying its rare earth supply chain by signing agreements with countries like Mongolia and Kazakhstan, while upgrading domestic extraction technologies to reduce reliance on Indonesian resources [18][20]

2025年07月01日 国泰君安期货商品研究晨报-绿色金融与新能源 观点与策略 | 镍：矿端支撑有所松动，冶炼端限制上方弹性 | 2 | | --- | --- | | 不锈钢：库存边际小幅去化，钢价修复但弹性有限 | 2 | | 碳酸锂：仓单矛盾缓解，偏弱运行 | 4 | | 工业硅：上游工厂开始复产，盘面或回调 | 6 | | 多晶硅：关注实际现货成交情况 | 6 | 国 泰 君 安 期 货 研 究 所 请务必阅读正文之后的免责条款部分 1 期货研究 商 品 研 究 2025 年 7 月 1 日 镍：矿端支撑有所松动，冶炼端限制上方弹性 不锈钢：库存边际小幅去化，钢价修复但弹性有限 张再宇 投资咨询从业资格号：Z0021479 zhangzaiyu@gtht.com 【基本面跟踪】 镍基本面数据 3）根据钢联资讯，海外媒体报道印尼某重要金属加工园区内一座镍冶炼厂已恢复生产。今年 3 月该 请务必阅读正文之后的免责条款部分 1 2 国 泰 君 安 期 货 研 究 所 期货研究 | | | 指标名称 | T | T-1 | T-5 | T-10 | T-22 | T-66 | | --- | --- | -- ...

Report Information - Report Title: Nickel Stainless Steel Industry Chain Weekly Report - Report Date: June 30, 2025 - Author: Xu Liang (Z0002220) - Reviewer: Tang Yun (Z0002422) Investment Rating - Not provided in the given content Core Viewpoints - **L利多因素**: Nickel ore prices are firm, with some products reducing production to address cost inversion, providing cost support. Domestic nickel ore port inventories are decreasing, and raw materials are in a tight supply situation [3]. - **利空因素**: There is an overall surplus of nickel elements, and supply pressure persists. Downstream demand is weak, and steel mills are reducing production due to production losses [3]. - **交易咨询观点**: In the context of strong supply and weak demand, prices are under pressure [3]. Summary by Directory 盘面信息 - **镍期货价格**: The latest values of Shanghai Nickel Main Contract, Shanghai Nickel Continuous One, Shanghai Nickel Continuous Two, and Shanghai Nickel Continuous Three are 120,480 yuan/ton, 120,480 yuan/ton, 120,550 yuan/ton, and 120,700 yuan/ton respectively, with weekly increases of 3,030 yuan/ton, 2,940 yuan/ton, 2,770 yuan/ton, and 2,710 yuan/ton, and weekly growth rates of 2.58%, 2.50%, 2.35%, and 2.35% respectively. The LME Nickel 3M is at 15,150 US dollars/ton, with a weekly increase of 90 US dollars/ton and a weekly growth rate of 2.30% [4]. - **持仓量和成交量**: The latest position volume is 78,738 lots, an increase of 26,731 lots or 51.4% from the previous week. The trading volume is 94,188 lots, a decrease of 1,899 lots or 1.98% from the previous week [4]. - **仓单数和基差**: The latest warehouse receipt quantity is 21,257 tons, a decrease of 221 tons or 1.03% from the previous week. The basis of the main contract is -1,570 yuan/ton, a decrease of 405 yuan/ton or 34.76% from the previous week [4]. - **不锈钢期货价格**: The latest values of Stainless Steel Main Contract, Stainless Steel Continuous One, Stainless Steel Continuous Two, and Stainless Steel Continuous Three are 12,620 yuan/ton, 12,620 yuan/ton, 12,575 yuan/ton, and 12,530 yuan/ton respectively, with weekly increases of 180 yuan/ton, 230 yuan/ton, 220 yuan/ton, and 220 yuan/ton, and weekly growth rates of 1%, 1.86%, 1.78%, and 1.79% respectively [4]. - **持仓量和成交量**: The latest position volume is 107,173 lots, a decrease of 78,734 lots or 42.35% from the previous week. The trading volume is 142,077 lots, a decrease of 67,010 lots or 32.05% from the previous week [4]. - **仓单数和基差**: The latest warehouse receipt quantity is 112,327 tons, a decrease of 1,576 tons or 1.38% from the previous week. The basis of the main contract is 435 yuan/ton, a decrease of 30 yuan/ton or 6.45% from the previous week [4]. - **镍现货价格**: The latest values of Jinchuan Nickel, Imported Nickel, 1 Electrolytic Nickel, Nickel Beans, and Electrowon Nickel are 120,850 yuan/ton, 118,350 yuan/ton, 119,550 yuan/ton, 117,400 yuan/ton, and 118,050 yuan/ton respectively, with daily increases of 600 yuan/ton, 600 yuan/ton, 550 yuan/ton, 600 yuan/ton, and 550 yuan/ton, and daily growth rates of 0.50%, 0.51%, 0.46%, 0.51%, and 0.47% respectively [4]. - **库存情况**: Domestic social nickel inventories are 38,223 tons, a decrease of 1,160 tons from the previous period. LME nickel inventories are 204,294 tons, an increase of 78 tons from the previous period. Stainless steel social inventories are 992.1 thousand tons, a decrease of 8.5 thousand tons from the previous period. Nickel pig iron inventories are 34,610 tons, an increase of 3,148 tons from the previous period [4][6]. 一级镍供给和库存 - **产量情况**: Not provided in the given content - **库存情况**: Domestic social nickel inventories (nickel plates + nickel beans) and LME nickel inventories show seasonal trends [15]. 上游镍矿 - **价格情况**: The average price of Philippine laterite nickel ore 1.5% (FOB) shows a historical trend [17]. - **库存情况**: Chinese port nickel ore inventories by port show seasonal trends [17]. 镍铁 - **价格情况**: The average ex - factory price of 8 - 12% nickel pig iron in China and the average price of Ni≥14% Indonesian high - nickel pig iron (arrival duty - paid) show historical trends [19]. - **产量情况**: The monthly production of Chinese nickel iron and Indonesian nickel pig iron shows seasonal trends [20][22]. 下游硫酸镍 - **价格情况**: The average price of battery - grade nickel sulfate and its premium over primary nickel (plates) show historical trends [24][26]. - **利润率情况**: The profit margins of producing nickel sulfate from nickel beans and producing electrowon nickel from externally purchased nickel sulfate in China show seasonal trends [28]. - **产量和产能情况**: The monthly production of nickel sulfate in China and the monthly production capacity of ternary precursors show seasonal trends [30]. 不锈钢 - **产量情况**: The monthly production of stainless steel shows seasonal trends [35]. - **库存情况**: Stainless steel inventories show seasonal trends [33]. - **利润率情况**: The profit margin of Chinese 304 stainless steel cold - rolled coils shows seasonal trends [35].

Group 1: Market Overview - The main nickel futures contract in Shanghai has risen for three consecutive trading days, reaching a new high since June 12, closing at 120,830 yuan/ton, up 2.33% [1] - The decrease in geopolitical risks and macroeconomic uncertainties has positively impacted the nickel market, with U.S. Treasury yields and the dollar index declining [1] - Domestic nickel prices have seen a decline, with the current spot price at 119,775 yuan/ton, down 6.02% from the end of last year [1] Group 2: Import and Supply Dynamics - In May 2025, nickel ore imports increased by 34.77% month-on-month to 3.9272 million tons, but decreased by 14.79% year-on-year [2] - The Philippines remains the primary source of nickel ore, with 3.6058 million tons imported, accounting for 91.82% of the total imports for the month [2] - The market is concerned about potential oversupply due to the removal of export restrictions on nickel ore in the Philippines, while Indonesian nickel ore remains tight in the short term [2] Group 3: Demand and Production Insights - Domestic stainless steel production is expected to decrease by 2.91% month-on-month in June, with a total output of 3.3623 million tons [3] - The demand for nickel is under pressure due to weak terminal demand and slow recovery in manufacturing orders, leading to a focus on just-in-time inventory replenishment [3] - The overall supply-demand balance remains oversupplied, with nickel prices expected to face downward pressure [3][4] Group 4: Future Outlook - Analysts suggest that the nickel market may experience a combination of supply contraction and demand substitution to address the oversupply issue [4] - The short-term outlook for nickel prices is mixed, with potential for a rebound above 120,000 yuan/ton, but also risks of volatility and downward pressure in the second half of the year [3][4] - The market is advised to monitor the impact of Indonesian policies and the development of new energy and semiconductor demands for long-term growth opportunities [4]

Group 1: Nickel Variety Market Analysis - On June 24, 2025, the main contract of Shanghai nickel 2507 opened at 117,440 yuan/ton and closed at 117,450 yuan/ton, a change of -0.44% from the previous trading day. The trading volume was 96,087 lots, and the open interest was 52,007 lots [1]. - The main contract of Shanghai nickel fell slightly at the night - session opening and then oscillated sideways. During the day - session, it rebounded slightly but was blocked and then oscillated downwards, with a small rebound in the afternoon, closing with a doji. The trading volume and open interest decreased slightly compared to the previous trading day. The spot market saw a weak oscillation of nickel prices, and refined nickel traders raised the spot premium, but downstream acceptance was limited, resulting in a light overall spot trading volume. The premium of Jinchuan nickel changed by 250 yuan/ton to 3,000 yuan/ton, the premium of imported nickel remained unchanged at 500 yuan/ton, and the premium of nickel beans was - 450 yuan/ton. The previous trading day's Shanghai nickel warehouse receipts were 21,581 (103.0) tons, and the LME nickel inventory was 203,928 (-216) tons [2]. Strategy - The tight supply problem of Indonesian nickel ore has been alleviated due to the production cut of smelters, and the cost support has weakened. The oversupply pattern of refined nickel remains unchanged. It is expected to decline weakly in the near term, and the idea of selling hedging on rallies is still maintained in the long - term. For single - side trading, it is mainly range - bound operation; there are no strategies for inter - period, cross - variety, spot - futures, and options trading [3]. Group 2: Stainless Steel Variety Market Analysis - On June 24, 2025, the main contract of stainless steel 2508 opened at 12,475 yuan/ton and closed at 12,440 yuan/ton. The trading volume was 209,087 lots, and the open interest was 185,907 lots [3]. - The main contract of stainless steel fell slightly at the night - session opening and then oscillated sideways. During the day - session, it fell to a new low and then rebounded slightly. In the afternoon, it rebounded sharply due to the news of Tsingshan's production cut, closing with a positive line. The trading volume increased compared to the previous trading day, and the open interest changed little. The nickel - iron transaction reached a new low of 910 yuan/nickel (including tax at the bottom of the hold) for over ten thousand tons, with a delivery period in July. The spot market saw a bottom - rebound of stainless steel prices. In the morning, steel mills lowered their price limits, and traders lowered their spot prices. In the afternoon, the news of steel mills' production cuts drove the price rebound, and merchants' quotes remained stable, with an active inquiry volume and a slightly improved market trading volume. The stainless steel price in Wuxi and Foshan markets was 12,575 yuan/ton, and the premium of 304/2B was 280 to 530 yuan/ton. The average ex - factory price of high - nickel pig iron decreased by 5.00 yuan/nickel point to 915.0 yuan/nickel point [4][5]. Strategy - Although steel mills have cut production and raw material prices have fallen, with overall weak demand and inventory accumulation, it is expected that stainless steel will oscillate and decline in the near term, and the idea of selling hedging on rallies is still maintained in the long - term. For single - side trading, it is neutral; there are no strategies for inter - period, cross - variety, spot - futures, and options trading [5].