GACC: China's stainless scrap imports surge 102% in Jan-Feb

China's imports of stainless steel scrap surged in the first two months of 2026 to around 27,620 tonnes, up by 13,925 tonnes or 101.7% year on year, according to new data from the General Administration of Customs (GACC).

The sharp increase came as tightening nickel ore supply from Indonesia pushed up nickel pig iron (NPI) prices, prompting Chinese stainless mills to seek more cost-efficient feedstocks, Mysteel Global noted. Market concerns over nickel supply emerged after Indonesia significantly reduced its nickel ore mining quotas for 2026. On February 10,