New tenders emerged in the nickel ore market. In the Philippines, Benguet Mining in the north launched a tender for nickel ore with a 1.3% grade, though no transactions have been finalized yet. Loading and shipment operations proceeded with acceptable efficiency, considering the impact of rainy weather. SHFE nickel prices surged significantly yesterday, heightening downstream wait-and-see sentiment. Traders remained cautious in procurement, resulting in generally tepid spot trading for refined nickel. Spot premiums/discounts for Jinchuan electrolytic nickel edged lower, while those for electro-doposited nickel from other major brands largely held steady near parity. The substantial intraday gains in the futures market opened up import opportunities for refined nickel, prompting some traders to lock in prices for import purchases.