Just not enough metal

摘要

Nickel,the alloying and plating metal,will remain in tight supply for the immediate future,according to Sven Tollin,chief statistician of the International Nickel Study Group.Speaking at a recent metals conference in Hong Kong,Tollin opined:"Even if users would like to have more material,it will not be available and prices could remain on the high side for some time to come."French nickel producer Eram-et supports that view,arguing in its financial report for 2004 that the nickel market could again be in deficit this year and,thus,buyers should expect average prices matching those of 2004.