Yesterday, some mines and traders concluded FOB transactions for 1.4% grade nickel ore at around US $50.5/wmt. Market participants focused on subsequent shipment schedules and price indications from mines, with limited spot availability in the market.SHFE nickel prices edged higher yesterday, while spot trading for refined nickel remained generally subdued. Spot premiums and discounts for various refined nickel brands were steady to slightly firmer. Production from several smelters that had cut output in the fourth quarter of last year rebounded noticeably this month. This, combined with continued arrivals of overseas material and relatively lower-priced Indonesian resources, resulted in ample overall spot supply. Consequently, downstream consumers showed little urgency to build inventories and opted instead to purchase primarily according to their immediate production schedules.