Nickel

Global Nickel Market to Reach 3.5 Million Tons by 2030

The global market for Nickel estimated at 2.5 Million Tons in the year 2024, is expected to reach 3.5 Million Tons by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Stainless Steel, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 6.3% CAGR and reach 2.5 Million Tons by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Other Alloy Steel segment is estimated at 3.8% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at 645.8 Thousand Tons While China is Forecast to Grow at 9.0% CAGR

The Nickel market in the U.S. is estimated at 645.8 Thousand Tons in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of 802.4 Thousand Tons by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 9.0% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% and 4.8% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 4.4% CAGR.

Global Nickel Market - Key Trends and Drivers Summarized

Nickel is a silvery-white lustrous metal with a slight golden tinge that belongs to the transition metals and is hard and ductile. Known for its excellent conductivity of heat and electricity, nickel is ferromagnetic, bivalent, and harder than iron. One of its most notable properties is its remarkable resistance to corrosion at high temperatures, making it a preferred material in a range of applications. From its traditional use in coinage to more critical roles in creating various alloys, nickel`s alloying ability with metals like iron, chromium, and molybdenum enhances its resistance to corrosion and maintains strength at high temperatures, which is essential for industrial applications such as in power plants and engines. It is primarily used in the creation of stainless steel due to its corrosion resistance, good mechanical strength, and toughness over a wide temperature range. Other significant uses include in alloys such as nickel brasses and bronzes, plating, and batteries, particularly in the fast-growing area of rechargeable battery systems including those used in electric vehicles (EVs).

The long-term outlook for nickel is bolstered by its critical role in the clean energy transition, particularly in EVs and renewable energy systems. Nickel is a key component of lithium-ion batteries, which power most electric vehicles. The demand for these batteries is on rise as the automotive industry shifts away from internal combustion engines towards more sustainable electric alternatives. This transition is driven by global environmental concerns and government policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, which encourage the adoption of EVs and consequently boost the demand for nickel. Another significant trend impacting the nickel market is the diversification of supply chains. Historically, nickel mining and production have been concentrated in a few countries, but recent geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties have prompted a push towards securing more stable and sustainable sources. This has led to increased investments in nickel mining projects outside traditional supply areas, particularly in Indonesia, which has recently seen substantial growth in its nickel processing capacity. Moreover, recycling efforts are also becoming a more prominent part of the supply chain, as industries seek to reduce environmental impact and increase the cost-effectiveness of nickel by recovering it from scrap materials.

In addition to EVs and supply chain diversification, nickel is also gaining traction in the energy storage sector. As the world increasingly turns to renewable energy sources, the demand for energy storage solutions that can efficiently store and release energy is essential. Nickel plays a crucial role in several types of advanced battery technologies that are being developed to enhance grid storage and renewable energy integration. The growth of this sector is likely to provide ongoing support for nickel demand, reinforcing its essential status in the modern technology and energy landscape. This continued expansion in nickel use showcases its critical role not only in current industrial applications but also in the future of energy and transportation.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Nickel market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
End-Use (Stainless Steel, Other Alloy Steel, Cast Irons, Alloys & Castings, Electroplating, Other End-Uses)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 184 Featured) -

• Baosteel Group Corporation
• Belmont Metals, Inc.
• Eramet Group
• H.C. Starck GmbH
• Outokumpu Oyj
• RUSAL

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

To our valued clients, we say, we have your back. We will present a simplified market reassessment by incorporating these changes!

APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.

JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

Complimentary Update: Our clients will also receive a complimentary update in July after a final reset is announced between nations. The final updated version incorporates clearly defined Tariff Impact Analyses.

Reciprocal and Bilateral Trade & Tariff Impact Analyses:

USA
CHINA
MEXICO
CANADA
EU
JAPAN
INDIA
176 OTHER COUNTRIES.

Leading Economists - Our knowledge base tracks 14,949 economists including a select group of most influential Chief Economists of nations, think tanks, trade and industry bodies, big enterprises, and domain experts who are sharing views on the fallout of this unprecedented paradigm shift in the global econometric landscape. Most of our 16,491+ reports have incorporated this two-stage release schedule based on milestones.

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