For nickel ore, mine tender prices in the Philippines continued to climb. Last week, CNC mine's tender for 1.3% grade ore concluded at US $53/wmt (FOB). This week, PGMC mine's tender for the same grade has risen to US $55/wmt. Regarding sea freight, rates from Surigao to Lianyungang are approximately US $15.5/wmt, retreating from previous highs but still at relatively elevated levels compared to recent years. In Indonesia, RKAB quota approvals remain slow, which keeps domestic ore premiums strong. Ore prices for HPAL processing range from US $30-32/wmt, rising to US $35-37/wmt when transported from other islands. Premiums for ore used in pyrometallurgical processing have increased to US $40-45/wmt.Following consecutive days of SHFE nickel price declines, downstream purchasing sentiment changed and were inclined to wait-and-see. Overall transaction volumes of refined nickel weakened compared to the previous two days.