[SMM Analysis] China's Refined Nickel Imports and Exports Fell MoM in August, with Imports Down 37% MoM and Exports Down 3% MoM

Published: Sep 22, 2025 14:51
Source: SMM
In August 2025, China's refined nickel imports totaled 24,186 mt, down 37% MoM and up 161% YoY.China's refined nickel exports totaled 15,048 mt, down 3% MoM and up 17% YoY. Among these, other unwrought non-alloy nickel exports amounted to 13,893 mt, accounting for 92% of total refined nickel exports.

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Imports:

In August 2025, China's refined nickel imports totaled 24,186 mt, down 37% MoM and up 161% YoY. Among these, other unwrought non-alloy nickel imports amounted to 22,255 mt, accounting for 92% of total refined nickel imports.
By country, the main sources of imports in August were Norway, Russia, Indonesia, and South Africa. Imports from Norway increased significantly to 12,202 mt, up 392% MoM, while imports from Indonesia fell to 4,161 mt, down 31% MoM.

Exports:

In August 2025, China's refined nickel exports totaled 15,048 mt, down 3% MoM and up 17% YoY. Among these, other unwrought non-alloy nickel exports amounted to 13,893 mt, accounting for 92% of total refined nickel exports.
By region, the main domestic export regions in August were Guangxi, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Shanghai, with Guangxi accounting for 51% and Zhejiang for 38%.



Customs Clearance Volume:

In August 2025, the customs clearance volume of refined nickel was 10,138 mt, down 55% MoM from the previous month. The significant decline was mainly due to a sharp decrease in imports from Indonesia and China (Bonded Zone).


Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

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