China’s refined nickel production in January fell by 33.4% from the previous month to 10,650 tonnes as the coronavirus outbreak hits consumption of the metal, one guy from JCG (Jinchuan Group) told.

Output of nickel pig iron, a raw material for stainless steel producers, fell by 4.8% to 44,000 tonnes of metal equivalent,  one of smelter of NPI, said.

Many Chinese stainless steel plants have postponed their return to work as local governments look to contain the spread of the virus, which has killed 563 people. offically media reported on Feb 6

Mills stocked up before the Lunar New Year holiday from Jan. 24 but transport restrictions will likely mean disruption to raw material supply and outbound deliveries,

Nickel smelters will also face ore shortages if the epidemic situation prolongs, it added.

Demand for battery-grade chemical nickel sulphate has also been hit as automotive firms postpone work, a senior Tesla executive has said deliveries of its Model 3 cars from Shanghai will be delayed.

• [Editor:admin]