The London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel futures rebounded to a monthly high yesterday (March 11), nearing US$17,700 per ton. Despite a stronger US dollar, the surge in nickel prices was boosted by China’s strong trade growth and increasing stainless steel production.

Nickel prices fluctuated between a session low of US$17,300 and a high of US$17,780, ending the day at US$17,693. Although the metal has dropped by 0.8% since the start of March, it still rose by 6.3% for the year. In addition, LME inventories fell by 840 tons to 286,248 tons.

Market participants said tight nickel ore supplies and recovering Chinese demand are the main support for the prices. Future trends will likely depend on Middle East stability and the actual pace of industrial consumption.