
China - Nickel Ores And Concentrates - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights
China's Nickel Ore Price Drops 6%, Averaging $87.8 per Ton
China Nickel Ore Import Price in September 2022
In September 2022, the nickel ore price stood at $87.8 per ton (CIF, China), falling by -6.4% against the previous month. Over the period under review, the import price showed a abrupt contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in June 2022 an increase of 9% m-o-m. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $191 per ton in February 2022; however, from March 2022 to September 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.
Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin: the country with the highest price was Guatemala ($138 per ton), while the price for the Philippines ($62.0 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From January 2022 to September 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by New Caledonia (-2.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.
China Nickel Ore Imports
Nickel ore imports into China rose notably to 4.7M tons in September 2022, with an increase of 8.8% against the previous month. In general, imports posted a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in May 2022 when imports increased by 56% month-to-month. Imports peaked in September 2022.
In value terms, nickel ore imports amounted to $414M (IndexBox estimates) in September 2022. Over the period under review, imports showed a tangible increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in April 2022 when imports increased by 54% month-to-month. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at 558K tons in June 2022; however, from July 2022 to September 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.
China Nickel Ore Imports by Country
In September 2022, the Philippines (4.2M tons) constituted the largest nickel ore supplier to China, with a 89% share of total imports. Moreover, nickel ore imports from the Philippines exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, New Caledonia (206K tons), more than tenfold.
From January 2022 to September 2022, the average monthly growth rate of volume from the Philippines amounted to +18.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average monthly rates of imports growth: New Caledonia (+5.0% per month) and Guatemala (+21.8% per month).
In value terms, the Philippines ($260M) constituted the largest supplier of nickel ore to China, comprising 63% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by New Caledonia ($27M), with a 6.5% share of total imports.
From January 2022 to September 2022, the average monthly rate of growth in terms of value from the Philippines totaled +12.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average monthly rates of imports growth: New Caledonia (+2.7% per month) and Guatemala (+14.2% per month).
Factors Affecting Nickel Ore Prices
The nickel ore price in China has been on a roller coaster ride in recent years, affected by a variety of factors. The most important factor is the Indonesian export ban, which was imposed in early 2014. This sent shockwaves through the Chinese nickel ore market, as Indonesia had been one of the main suppliers of nickel ore to China. The other major supplier is the Philippines, which has also been affected by export restrictions.
Chinese demand for nickel ore is largely driven by the country's booming stainless steel industry. Nickel is a key ingredient in stainless steel, and China is the world's largest producer and consumer of the metal. However, overcapacity in the Chinese stainless steel industry has led to falling prices and profit margins, which has in turn dampened demand for nickel ore.
Another factor that has weighed on Chinese demand for nickel ore is Beijing's crackdown on environmental polluters. Many of the country's nickel smelters are located in areas with high levels of air pollution, and they have been required to cut production or close down altogether in recent years. This has further reduced demand for nickel ore from China.
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the nickel ore market in China. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.
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