Philippines: In order not to affect the cargo supply chain, the port of the Philippines is still open to all vessels, including vessels from China, but crew members on vessels from the 2019-nCoV areas are prohibited from disembarking.

The Chinese market is concerned that the Philippines ’nickel ore exports to China may be delayed, which will boost nickel prices.

“In terms of vessels, in terms of cargo, our business is proceeding normally,” said Jay Daniel Santiago, general manager of the Port Authority of the Philippines. His statement eased concerns about the port’s postponement of business.

He said that all ports, especially those in the capital Manila, “completely mechanized” loading and unloading cargo to minimize human involvement.

The Philippines is an important source of nickel ore, the raw material for stainless steel products such as stainless steel pipe, duplex pipe, and stainless steel plate.

Philippine producers began seasonally suspending shipments in the fourth quarter of 2019, and will usually resume supply to Chinese customers in March or April of the following year.

Dante Bravo, president of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc, the second largest nickel ore producer and exporter in the Philippines, said: “We have not yet started shipping nickel ore, but we do not expect the outbreak of infectious diseases in China to affect the demand side.”

He added: “Given the emergency measures in place by the parties concerned, we believe that the epidemic will be brought under control soon.”