Interpreting Global Nickel and Indonesia Stainless Steel Industries: Supply-Demand Dynamics and Outlook"Stainless Steel Industries

Published: May 8, 2024 18:23
Source: SMM
"Interpreting Global Nickel and Indonesia Stainless Steel Industries: Supply-Demand Dynamics and Outlook"Stainless Steel Industries**

1.Global Nickel Market Overview

- Global primary nickel supply and demand grew at similar rates (6.6% and 6.7% annualized) from 2016 to 2021, leading to a persistent shortage. - Starting in 2022, global primary nickel supply shifted to a surplus, with anticipated supply growth (8.0% CAGR) outpacing demand growth (7.1% CAGR) from 2022 to 2027. - Growth in supply is driven by refined nickel, NPI, and nickel sulfate sectors, while demand is fueled by stainless steel, batteries, and alloys.

2.Demand Trends in Nickel Market

- Stainless steel remains the largest consumer of nickel but has seen its demand share decline from 75% in 2016 to 67% presently, due to rapid growth in battery demand. - Battery demand has surged, growing from 2% in 2016 to a projected 13.4% by 2027, driven by electric vehicle market expansion. - Stainless steel demand is expected to accelerate from 3.9% (2016-2021) to 6.2% (2022-2027), while battery sector growth, although slowing, remains robust at 6.9% annually.


3. Regional Nuances in Stainless Steel Production

- China heavily relies on NPI for stainless steel production, with its share projected to increase from 67% in 2022 to 74% by 2027. - Indonesia's stainless steel manufacturers primarily use NPI due to abundant resources and cost-effective production.

4. **Indonesian Nickel Industry Details**

- Indonesia holds the largest share (43%) of global nickel resources and is projected to supply over 85% of global nickel intermediates by 2027. - Production of nickel intermediates (MHP and high-nickel matte) is expected to increase significantly, with MHP supply predominantly from self-owned mines. - High-nickel matte production is expanding to meet demand for pure nickel and nickel sulfate, with a preference for external ore sourcing.

5. **Indonesian Stainless Steel Industry Growth**

- Indonesia is the world's second-largest stainless steel producer, focusing on export (42% to China in 2023) primarily of #300 series stainless steel. - Production capacity is expected to exceed 7 million metric tons by 2027, driven by competitive costs and resource abundance.

In conclusion, Indonesia's nickel and stainless steel industries are poised for continued growth, with significant implications for global supply dynamics and market trends. For further questions or communication, please contact Shirley Wang. :wangcong@smm.cn

Thank you.

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.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Asian Stainless Steel Prices Hold Steady for Third Consecutive Week Amid Quiet Market
Jun 19, 2026 14:18
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Asian Stainless Steel Prices Hold Steady for Third Consecutive Week Amid Quiet Market
Read More
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Asian Stainless Steel Prices Hold Steady for Third Consecutive Week Amid Quiet Market
[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Asian Stainless Steel Prices Hold Steady for Third Consecutive Week Amid Quiet Market
Asian stainless steel prices held stable for a third consecutive week, with Chinese Taiwan's export quotes unchanged and Chinese export offers rebounding to steady levels after a brief dip earlier in the month. Raw material trends diverged, LME nickel prices softened while Indonesian NPI gained ground; Chinese domestic ferronickel stabilized and stainless steel futures posted a weekly gain. Trading activity remains quiet during the traditional off-season, though consumption levels are running ahead of the same period last year. A recent Middle East peace accord helped nickel prices bounce back, pointing to a firm short-term market trend.
Jun 19, 2026 14:18
【SMM Flash News】Another Decrease of Indonesia's HMA Nickel in Second Period of June
Jun 19, 2026 11:40
【SMM Flash News】Another Decrease of Indonesia's HMA Nickel in Second Period of June
Read More
【SMM Flash News】Another Decrease of Indonesia's HMA Nickel in Second Period of June
【SMM Flash News】Another Decrease of Indonesia's HMA Nickel in Second Period of June
The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has officially released the Nickel Mineral Reference Price (HMA) for the second half of June 2026. The HMA for the second half of June is as follows: the nickel price is $18,642.33 per ton (compared to the first half of June 2026, 18799.29 USD/ton), a decrease of 156.95 USD of 0.83%; the price of cobalt is 55,852.33 US dollars per ton; the HMA of iron ore is 1.58 USD/ton; and the HMA of chrome ore price is 6.37 USD/ton. • Ni 1.2%: USD 49.53/wmt (↓ $0.32) • Ni 1.3%: USD 54.25/wmt (↓ $0.36) • Ni 1.4%: USD 59.52/wmt (↓ $0.48) • Ni 1.5%: USD 64.73/wmt (↓ $0.52) • Ni 1.6%: USD 70.19/wmt (↓ $0.57)
Jun 19, 2026 11:40
Costs of High-Grade NPI in China Drop as Philippine Ore Arrivals Increase, Profitability Gap Widens
Jun 18, 2026 18:14
Costs of High-Grade NPI in China Drop as Philippine Ore Arrivals Increase, Profitability Gap Widens
Read More
Costs of High-Grade NPI in China Drop as Philippine Ore Arrivals Increase, Profitability Gap Widens
Costs of High-Grade NPI in China Drop as Philippine Ore Arrivals Increase, Profitability Gap Widens
[SMM Nickel Flash] This week, the cost trends of high-grade NPI in and outside China diverged once again, with the profitability gap continuing to widen. The cash cost of high-grade NPI in China extended its downward trend, primarily driven by increased arrivals of Philippine nickel ore and persistently weakening prices, directly reducing smelting’s core raw material costs, while overall production costs pulled back in tandem.
Jun 18, 2026 18:14
Interpreting Global Nickel and Indonesia Stainless Steel Industries: Supply-Demand Dynamics and Outlook"Stainless Steel Industries - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)