In May xxxx, Inconel prices in both Germany and China rose by x.xx mom on a harmonized basis, contrary to expectations that demand-side weakness in key markets led by an underperforming construction sector would outweigh supply-side constraints and rising nickel feedstock costs.
Key Market Takeaways
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Price Surge: Inconel xxx prices rose x.xx month-on-month in both Germany and China, supported by supply tightness
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Feedstock Pressure: Nickel futures climbed to x.x-month highs adding production cost pressures
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Supply Constraints: Chinese domestic production remained moderately constrained due to planned maintenance and production shifts
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Inventory Dynamics: LME nickel stocks declined since early May, while depot-level Inconel inventories tightened
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Demand Mixed: German construction sector weakened further, while Chinese marine and petrochemical sectors showed modest improvement
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Import Challenges: Subdued import volumes as international suppliers prioritized higher-margin U.S. and European markets
The Inconel market in China showed solid strength in May with a gain...
