Nickel Export 2025: Market Shift

Global Nickel Export Market Landscape

In global trade, Nickel is primarily tracked under HS Code 7502, which covers unwrought nickel, nickel powders, and flakes. As a critical industrial metal, it serves as a key raw material for stainless steel, batteries, and specialty alloys, making its trade flows highly sensitive to shifts in manufacturing demand and commodity cycles.

Strategic Insights

• Market Momentum: Global nickel exports faced volatility in 2025, peaking at $401.41M in February before plunging to $124.12M by November due to oversupply and weakening stainless-steel demand.
• Geographic Power: Supply is concentrated in Norway (31.52% by quantity) and Indonesia (34.80% by weight), while demand is dominated by India (87.88% of import value) and China (4.03%), reflecting a flow from resource-rich exporters to high-value processors.
• Supply Chain Structure: The market is heavily consolidated, with Dominators controlling 77% of export value. Buyers rely on a few key suppliers (e.g., Nitinol, Premier Ingots), while India’s industrial demand drives high-value transactions.

Global Nickel Export Trend in 2025 Whole Year

Global nickel exports faced significant headwinds in 2025, pressured by market oversupply and slowing stainless-steel demand growth [SP Global].

• Aggregate Performance: Total observed export value showed high volatility, with periods of strong growth followed by sharp contractions.
• Period Dynamics: Momentum sharply reversed from a February peak of $401.41M to a November low of $124.12M, reflecting deteriorating trade conditions.

Table: Nickel Export Trend in 2025 Whole Year

Get Nickel Data Latest Updates

Nickel Global Market Structure: Supply vs. Demand

Top Origin Countries & Production Hubs

• Norway dominates supply by quantity (31.52%), with Indonesia leading by weight (34.80%), indicating major raw material exports.
• Supply is consolidated: Top 3 exporters (Norway, Indonesia, Japan) hold over 45% of quantity share.
• Indonesia (Rank 5 by value, Rank 1 by weight) is a key challenger, reflecting its role as a major raw nickel ore/mineral producer. Japan (Rank 2 by value) is a significant refined metal supplier.

Top Destination Countries & Consumption Markets

• India is the dominant buyer, commanding 42.59% of import quantity and a massive 87.88% of import value.
• China Mainland is the second-largest importer by value (4.03%), though its quantity share is minimal (0.04%).
• Demand is driven by industrial processing: India's high value share suggests imports of high-value forms (e.g., refined, alloys). Vietnam's high quantity share (27.41%) with low value share (0.50%) points to raw material imports for processing. Mexico also shows significant processing volume (11.35% quantity).

Supply-Demand Dynamics

• Balance Assessment: Consolidated supply (led by Norway/Indonesia) meets demand heavily concentrated in India for high-value products and Vietnam/Mexico for processing.
• Geographic Trend: Flows move from resource-rich exporters (Norway, Indonesia, Russia) to major Asian industrial processors and consumers (India, Vietnam, China).
• Key Takeaway: Pricing power leans towards major exporters (Norway, Indonesia) due to supply concentration, especially for raw materials. India holds significant influence as the primary high-value market.

Table: Global Nickel Export —— Top Destination Countries

Check Nickel Export Detailed Country Profile

Table: Global Nickel Export —— Top origin Countries

Check Nickel Export Detailed Country Profile

Global Nickel Export Analysis: Key Suppliers & Buyers

Suppliers Concentration & Strategy

• Power Center: Highly consolidated. Dominators (70% of shipments) control 77% of export value.
• Operational Style: Frequent shipments dominate. 86% of transactions are High Frequency (Dominators + Retail/JIT).
• Buyer Implication: Heavy reliance on few giants (e.g., Nitinol, Premier Ingots). Expect limited price flexibility but stable supply. Small buyers have niche/retail options.

Oversea Buyers Procurement Patterns

• Procurement Behavior: Mixed. Dominators (66% of shipments, 85% value) drive frequent, high-value purchases. Bulk Movers (7% shipments, 15% value) indicate large sporadic stockpiling.
• Market Tier: Giant-driven. Dominators + Bulk Movers control 99.5% of import value. SMEs (Retail/JIT + Niche) are marginal in value share (<0.5%).

Market Entry & Negotiation Strategy

• New Suppliers: Target importer Dominators (e.g., Evonik, Kothari Metals). Prepare for volume demands and competitive pricing. Bulk Movers offer spot opportunities.
• New Buyers: Secure long-term contracts with Dominator exporters. For smaller needs, use Retail/JIT suppliers (e.g., Cong TY TNHH) for flexibility. Avoid over-reliance on Niche players.

Table: Global Nickel Export —— Top Buyers

Access Nickel Trade Company Profile

Table: Global Nickel Export —— Top Suppliers

Access Nickel Trade Company Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS Code for Nickel?

The HS Code for Nickel is 7502. This code covers unwrought nickel, nickel powders, flakes, and similar forms.

Which country is the largest exporter of Nickel in 2025 Whole Year?

China Mainland is the largest exporter, with exports valued at $3.50B, dominating global nickel supply.

Who are the top importers of Nickel in 2025 Whole Year?

The top importers are India ($14.53B), China Mainland ($666.33M), and the Netherlands ($277.19M). These represent major consumption and processing hubs.

Who are the major suppliers and companies trading Nickel in 2025 Whole Year?

Key buyers include Kothari Metals Ltd ($2.68B) and JLC Electromet Private Limited ($2.61B). Top suppliers are PT CNGR Ding Xing New Energy ($462.96M) and PT. Eternal Nickel Industry ($406.63M).

Why do Nickel import rankings sometimes differ from export destination lists?

Trade Asymmetries occur because export data (FOB value) records the intended destination, while import data (CIF value) reflects the actual arrival. Trans-shipments via hubs like Singapore can further distort these records.

How to find reliable Nickel suppliers and exporters in 2025 Whole Year?

Access verified shipment records, bill of lading details, and active suppliers for HS Code 7502 via the yTrade database, focusing on key regions like China Mainland.