China imported 641,357 tonnes of nickel pig iron and ferro-nickel in July, down 15.15% month on month and 23.27% year on year. Imports from Indonesia fell sharply due to weak stainless-steel demand, typhoon-related shipping delays and tighter export inspections. China’s 300-series stainless output declined 6.93% during July, reducing NPI consumption. Although shipments were normalizing, a sustainable market recovery remained dependent on stronger September-October stainless demand.
