LONDON, Aug. 18 (Dow Jones) -- The global nickel market was in a small surplus of 4,100 metric tons in January to June, the World Bureau of Metal Statistics said Wednesday.

This compares with a 2,000 ton surplus over the whole of 2010, although this figure included substantial imports recorded by China.

Mine production during January to June was 750,400 tons, some 52,000 tons above the comparable 2010 total.

Japanese refinery output decreased by 7,300 tons compared with the first half 2010 and apparent demand fell by 5,700 tons, the WBMS said, although it didn't provide comparable data.

World apparent demand was 83,000 tons higher than the previous year. No allowance is made in the consumption calculation for unreported stock changes

In June 2011, nickel smelter production was 145,400 tons and consumption was 145,600 tons.