Mumbai, 23 April (CommoditiesControl): China's nickel ore imports witnessed a notable uptick in March 2024 compared to the previous month, signaling a rebound in demand. Customs data revealed a total import volume of 1.5421 million metric tons (mt), marking a significant 26% increase from February. However, despite this monthly surge, imports saw a substantial 27% decline year-on-year, indicating ongoing challenges in the market.
The breakdown of nickel ore imports unveils a mixed picture, with nickel sulphide ore registering a modest 3.4% month-on-month increase, while nickel oxide ore surged by 27.3% during the same period.
The Philippines emerged as the primary source of nickel ore for China, contributing 1.1947 million mt in March. This represents a substantial 47.7% increase from February. Meanwhile, other key suppliers such as New Caledonia and Australia reported varied performances, with import volumes fluctuating month-on-month.
The increase in nickel ore imports from the Philippines underscores growing demand from China's nickel processing industry. However, the year-on-year decline highlights lingering challenges, including supply disruptions and market uncertainties. As China continues to navigate these dynamics, monitoring import trends remains crucial for stakeholders in the nickel market.
(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91-9820130172)