There was some suggestion in markets that China would seek an exemption for certain exports from Indonesia ...Lakeside

NEW YORK, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Nickel prices jumped, nearing a
one-week high after Indonesia upheld a shipment ban on the ore
of the metal used in coin- and stainless steel-making.
Nickel led the index's gains as Indonesia's government
remained firm about its ban on exports of unprocessed minerals,
despite market hopes that the country, which has been one of the
leading exporters of nickel ore, may waver.
"I think the market assumption is that there is going to be
some easing of the restrictions," BNP Paribas analyst Stephen
Briggs said. "There are no signs of that at the moment. As
things stand, the government in Indonesia is talking tough."
Three-month nickel on the LME closed up $195, or 1.4
percent, at $13,970 a tonne. It rose to $14,066 during the
session, a dollar shy of a Jan. 31 peak.