[SMM Nickel Flash] Indonesia May Include Nickel Pig Iron in SOE Export Mechanism

May 21 — According to Indonesian Ministry of Trade meeting materials, Indonesia plans to bring ferroalloy exports under its strategic natural resources export framework. Ferroalloy exports are expected to enter a transition period from June 1 to August 31, 2026, before being handled by a designated state-owned enterprise from September 1.

Ferronickel/NPI, under HS code 7202.60.00, is listed within the ferroalloy scope. SMM believes the policy, if implemented, may disrupt Indonesian NPI customs clearance, shipment schedules and trade procedures in the short term. However, the document does not directly indicate an export ban or unified pricing mechanism.