Long queues, expensive financing rates and strong demand continued to push premiums for cut nickel cathodes higher in Europe, while US nickel premiums continued to flat-line in the absence of spot-market demand.
European 4x4 premiums continue rise on demand strength US premiums flat-line as spot demand takes second place to long-term negotiations.Cut nickel cathode premiumsThe premium for 4x4 nickel cathodes in Rotterdam, in-warehouse, rose to $470-520 per tonne on Tuesday October 2, although market participants expected the market tightness to wear off over the coming months."[Forward premiums for the] 4x4s should be lower than the spot [price]. There will be solutions for the shortage. I don't think these levels will be kept," a trader in Europe said. "We just don't have enough [4x4s at the moment]."The premium for uncut nickel cathodes in...