The US nickel briquette premium narrowed in the week to Tuesday July 30 with the material no longer being offered or traded at lower premium levels, while the nickel premium markets in China and Europe were quiet on a lack of import incentive and summer slowdowns respectively.
US briquette premium narrows with business concluded at higher levels despite seasonal lull Chinese premiums flat while import demand is low and supply is sufficientEuropean premiums flat on sustained seasonal illiquidity US briquette premium narrows on increased trade at higher levels The US nickel briquette premium rose at the bottom end of the range with no trades reported below a $0.20 premium in the week to Tuesday July 30 amid relatively quiet spot trade." Fastmarkets' assessment of the nickel briquette premium, delivered Midwest US, was at $0.20-0.24 per lb on Tuesday July 30, up from $0.18-0.24 per lb the previous week.Fastmarkets' assessment of the nickel 4x4 cathode premium, delivered Midwest US, was at $0.37-0.45 per lb on July 23, a range it has held since April 30."Demand has been lackluster during the summer months," one supplier said. "We have seen some hedge funds liquidate their stock to...