Which Country Imports the Most Unwrought Nickel in the World?

Global nickel imports totaled 2M tonnes in 2016, import ,therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year level. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% from 2007 to 2016; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed over the period under review. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015, an increase of 6% from the previous year level. Over the period under review, global nickel imports reached its maximum volume in 2016, and are likely to continue its growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, nickel imports amounted to $12B in 2016. Overall, nickel imports continue to indicate a drastic setback. Global nickel import peaked of $30B in 2007; however, from 2008 to 2016, it stood at a somewhat lower level.

Top Nickel Importing Countries in the World

1. China (3,528.8 million USD)

2. Netherlands (1,904.6 million USD)

3. USA (1,100.2 million USD)

4. Switzerland (778.6 million USD)

5. Germany (697.9 million USD)

6. Malaysia (547.7 million USD)

7. India (411.2 million USD)

8. Australia (32.1 million USD)

9. Russia (13.7 million USD)

10. Canada (10.8 million USD)

11. Norway (2.0 million USD)

12. Madagascar (0.0 million USD)

Nickel Imports By Country

China (371K tonnes), Russia (256K tonnes), the Netherlands (205K tonnes), Australia (167K tonnes), Canada (140K tonnes), Norway (98K tonnes), Switzerland (81K tonnes), the U.S. (80K tonnes), Germany (68K tonnes), Malaysia (57K tonnes), Madagascar (47K tonnes), and India (42K tonnes) represented roughly 79% of total imports of nickel in 2016.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of nickel imports, among the main importing countries, was attained by Malaysia (+21.2% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest nickel markets worldwide were China ($3.5B), the Netherlands ($1.9B) and the U.S. ($1.1B), with a combined 54% share of global imports. These countries were followed by Switzerland, Germany, Malaysia, India, Australia, Russia, Canada, Norway and Madagascar, which together accounted for a further 21%.

Malaysia (+38.4% per year) had the highest growth rate of nickel imports, in terms of the main importing countries, over the last 9 years, while the other global leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

Nickel Import Prices By Country

The average nickel import price stood at $5,955 per tonne in 2016, going down by -26.2% against the previous year. In general, nickel import price continues to indicate a abrupt setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2010, when import increased by 43% year-to-year. Over the period under review, average nickel import price attained its maximum level of $17 per kg in 2007; however, from 2008 to 2016, it failed to regain its strength.

Import prices varied noticeably by country of destination. the country with the highest import prices was the U.S. ($14 per kg), while Madagascar ($0 per kg) was among the lowest.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of nickel import prices was attained by Malaysia (+14.2% per year), while the other global leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Do you want to know more about global nickel market? Get the latest trends and insight from our report. It includes a wide range of statistics on

• nickel market share
• nickel prices
• nickel industry
• nickel sales
• nickel import
• nickel export
• nickel market forecast
• nickel price forecast
• key nickel producers

All data provided in this article covers the following product: HS Code 7502 - Nickel; unwrought.

Source: World: Nickel (Unwrought) - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2025