Superalloy prices increased significantly following strong demand despite falling LME nickel prices through the week.
The weekly Davis Index for Hastelloy C rose by 61¢/lb to $5.88/lb /lb for single truckload delivered processor yard and was up by 19¢/lb for Hastelloy X to $4.10/lb delivered.
Inconel 600 grew by 35¢/lb to $5.30/lb and increased for Inconel 601 by 7¢/lb to $4.13/lb delivered processor yard. The index for Inconel 617 Vac was up by 13¢/lb to $3.74/lb delivered processor yard while Inconel 625 Vac increased by the same amount to $5.03/lb delivered. The index for Inconel 718 Vac was rose by 25¢/lb to $4.05/lb delivered processor yard.
The official LME Nickel cash contract closed Thursday at $18,082/mt, down by $110/mt from $18,192/mt on June 24.
A recovery in the aerospace industry has spurred demand for superalloys and boosted Inconel buying prices. Like stainless steel, strong sales have kept superalloy prices buoyant despite the volatility on LME Nickel and processors expect this trend to continue through July.