Nickel increased 995.38 USD/MT or 6.51% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Nickel - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on March of 2025.

In May 2024, the price of one metric ton of nickel stood at some 19,586.98 U.S. dollars. In comparison, in December 2016, the price of nickel was just below 10,000 U.S. dollars per metric ton. Thus, the nickel price has increased considerably in recent years, though it continuously fluctuates. In the beginning of 2022, however, the price of nickel skyrocketed due to disruptions to supply chains and a wide scarcity of raw materials and metals. Overview of nickel Discovered in 1751, nickel is a base metal with a silvery-white lustrous appearance that has a slightly golden tinge. The metal is crucial for many global industries, especially, for example, for the production of stainless-steel. Nickel is highly corrosion-resistant and is used to plate other metals in order to protect them. Because of these useful traits, nickel is used in more than 300,000 products worldwide, spanning from architectural, industrial, military, transportation and aerospace, marine, currency, and consumer applications. Nickel price dynamics Though nickel is the fifth most abundant element found on Earth, as with any commodity, the price of nickel can vary widely depending on global market conditions. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, exports of nickel increased dramatically, dropping the price of nickel in the mid-1990s to below production costs. Nickel production in the Western Hemisphere was reduced during that period. Prices then increased again, up to a high of 52,179 U.S. dollars per metric ton in May 2007. Since then, nickel prices have decreased, and have remained between a low of 8,299 U.S. dollars per metric ton and a high of 18,584 U.S. dollars per metric ton between 2016 and 2021. It is forecast that the price of nickel will amount to more than 17,000 U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2025.

In 2023, nickel had an average price of approximately 21,521 U.S. dollars per metric ton, a decrease of more than 4,000 U.S. dollars compared to the previous year. Top nickel producing regions In 2023, Indonesia produced the largest volume of nickel from mines in the world, totaling 1.8 million metric tons, while the Philippines produced 400,000 metric tons. Norilsk Nickel (also known as Nornickel) from Russia is one of the largest producers of nickel in the world. One of its largest mining operations is located in northern Russia within the Norilsk-Talnakh area. Nickel life cycle Nickel is a lustrous metal and is used for various applications, such as in plating metals, due to its resistance to corrosion. Nickel is not mined directly but is extracted from ores such as iron ore limonite. The metal can be extracted through roasting and reduction processes. Most often, nickel is used as part of nickel steels, including stainless steel, in alloys, and in electroplating. The worldwide consumption of nickel exceed three million metric tons in 2023. Historically, nickel has been used since 3500 BCE as a natural nickel-iron alloy.

During the last quarter of 2024, the nickel prices in the USA reached 21688 USD/MT (H2 2024 Avg Price) in December. As per the nickel price chart, the prices fell by around 0.92% compared to the same quarter last year. The demand for nickel from various downstream sectors, including stainless steel production and the electric vehicle (EV) battery industry, is influencing the prices.

Explore IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Nickel Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2025 Edition,” offers an in-depth analysis of nickel pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

This statistic depicts the average monthly prices for nickel from January 2014 through January 2025. In January 2025, the average monthly price for nickel stood at 15,394.14 nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton.

CN: Transaction Price: Nickel, No 1: Changchun data was reported at 9.260 10TH RMB/Ton in Dec 2013. This records a decrease from the previous number of 9.460 10TH RMB/Ton for Nov 2013. CN: Transaction Price: Nickel, No 1: Changchun data is updated monthly, averaging 13.055 10TH RMB/Ton from Feb 1998 (Median) to Dec 2013, with 150 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 44.500 10TH RMB/Ton in Apr 2007 and a record low of 5.600 10TH RMB/Ton in Apr 2000. CN: Transaction Price: Nickel, No 1: Changchun data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Price Monitoring Center, NDRC. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PG: Nickel Price.

Nickel price in the United States: Find info from the world's biggest and most esteemed business intelligence tool. 2 million reports updated monthly.

In recent years, nickel prices have hit some of their all-time highest numbers, at an average of almost 26,000 U.S. dollars per metric ton throughout 2022. This was driven by a large spike in prices at the end of that year, where they peaked at 31,275 U.S. dollars per ton in mid-November. The recent surge in nickel prices has been driven by several factors, including disruptions to Russia's (the world's third-largest nickel producer) export industry following its invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, demand for nickel has grown alongside the growth of lithium-ion battery production, driven by the growth of the electronic car market. However, these recent peaks are still well below the all-time annual high of more than 37,000 U.S. dollars in 2007, where low international supply coupled with high demand from China's stainless-steel manufacturing industries caused prices to soar.

The price of nickel powder in the USA reached 23095 USD/MT in the final quarter of 2023.

Explore IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Nickel Powder Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data,” offers an in-depth analysis of nickel powder pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

An overview of the factors influencing the price of nickel in the world market, including supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, economic conditions, and exchange rates. The demand from stainless steel producers, supply disruptions, trade tensions, and exchange rate fluctuations all contribute to the volatility of nickel prices. Additionally, the rise of electric vehicles and the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries are expected to drive nickel prices higher in the coming years.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global nickel market size is USD 35695.2 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market of more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 14278.08 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a share of over 30% of the global market size of USD 10708.56 million.
Asia Pacific held the market of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 8209.90 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America market of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1784.76 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa held the major market of around 2% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 713.90 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The Electrical & Electronics End-Uses held the highest nickel market revenue share in 2024

Market Dynamics of Nickel Market

Key Drivers for Nickel Market

Increased Demand for Nickel Batteries to Increase the Demand Globally

One key driver in the nickel market is increased demand for nickel batteries. It is an essential component in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles. As the globe moves toward greener transportation and E.V. usage grows, so does the demand for nickel. Battery manufacture is projected to be a significant driver of nickel use in the coming years. Historically, the stainless steel sector was the major consumer of nickel. Nickel gives strength and corrosion resistance to steel, making it essential for a variety of applications. As global infrastructure development and industrial activity continue, demand for stainless steel, and thus nickel, remains high.

Boom in Electric Vehicles to Propel Market Growth

Another key driver in the nickel market is the increasing demand for electric vehicles. The worldwide electric vehicle (E.V.) boom is having a big impact on the nickel market, increasing both demand and prices. As the global demand for E.V.s grows, so does the demand for nickel to build these batteries. Major mining corporations such as BHP expect nickel demand to skyrocket in the coming decades, fuelled by the E.V. revolution. This boost in demand is putting strain on nickel supply, resulting in price increases. Nickel prices have already risen in recent years, and some predict that trend to continue as E.V. usage rises. Nickel has traditionally been used primarily in the stainless steel sector. However, the E.V. industry is expected to be the primary growth driver for nickel in the future.

Restraint Factor for the Nickel Market

Environmental and Health Issues to Limit the Sales

One key restraint in the nickel market is the challenge of Environmental and health issues. Nickel is an important metal in today's world. It is an important component of stainless steel, used in a variety of sectors, and used in lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles (E.V.s). The worldwide nickel market is expanding as demand for E.V.s rises. However, this expansion has a substantial drawback: environmental and health risks linked with nickel mining and processing. Nickel mining can pollute the air and water via dust, acid mine drainage, and inappropriate waste management. These pollutants can degrade ecosystems, taint drinking water, and impair respiratory health in adjacent communities. Nickel extraction and refining require a lot of energy, and it frequently uses fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Nickel Market

The Nickel Market experienced both challenges and opportunities due to the impact of COVID-19. On one hand, the initial increase in nickel prices in early 2020 may have favored current inventory holders. While the pandemic caused a temporary delay, the long-term demand for nickel is likely to expand because of the increasing usage of electric vehicles (E.V.s) that use nickel-based batteries. However, on the other hand, Lockdowns and an economic downturn resulted in a substantial drop in nickel demand across a variety of industries, particularly stainless steel (the largest user). This resulted in a nickel...

Australia Commodity Price Index: Weights: Base Metals: Nickel data was reported at 0.600 % in Feb 2013. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.600 % for Jan 2013. Australia Commodity Price Index: Weights: Base Metals: Nickel data is updated monthly, averaging 0.600 % from Feb 2008 (Median) to Feb 2013, with 61 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.600 % in Feb 2013 and a record low of 0.400 % in Aug 2009. Australia Commodity Price Index: Weights: Base Metals: Nickel data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of Australia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.I050: Commodity Price Index: Weights (Old).

Global nickel prices in the first quarter (Q1) of 2023 stood at 26,033 U.S. dollars per metric ton. Since then, they have steadily declined, reaching approximately 16,271 U.S. dollars per metric ton of nickel in Q3 2024.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Copper, Nickel, Lead and Zinc Mining (PCU212230212230) from Jun 1988 to Jan 2025 about zinc, lead, nickel, copper, mining, metals, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The price of nickel is influenced by supply and demand dynamics, trade policies, macroeconomic factors, and environmental regulations. This article explores the factors affecting nickel prices and key trends in the market, including the impact of the EV revolution and the shift towards renewable energy. Investors and industry players are advised to closely monitor these developments in order to navigate the nickel commodity market effectively.

Nickel prices skyrocketed on the expectations of a shortage on the global market provoked by the increase in demand that outpaces the supply growth. The rebound in the steel industry and rising electric vehicle manufacturing drive nickel consumption. Pandemic-related lockdowns in the first half of 2020 and the related uncertainty led to a decrease in the global nickel mine output by -4% y-o-y. Despite this, refined nickel production increased by +2% y-o-y, boosted by the recovering demand from mid-2020 and the use of secondary smelting. Indonesia, the largest nickel ore producer worldwide, banned exports of the ore and thus achieved a record output of refined nickel.

Transaction Price: Nickel, Number 1: Shanghai data was reported at 9.630 10TH RMB/Ton in Dec 2013. This records an increase from the previous number of 9.480 10TH RMB/Ton for Nov 2013. Transaction Price: Nickel, Number 1: Shanghai data is updated monthly, averaging 12.170 10TH RMB/Ton from Feb 1998 (Median) to Dec 2013, with 179 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 44.000 10TH RMB/Ton in Apr 2007 and a record low of 4.505 10TH RMB/Ton in Jan 1999. Transaction Price: Nickel, Number 1: Shanghai data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Price Monitoring Center, NDRC. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PG: Nickel Price.

This statistic shows forecasts for the global nickel price at the London Metal Exchange in 2013 and 2014. In 2013, the average LME cash price for nickel is expected to stand at 8.09 U.S. dollars per pound.

Nickel Mines stock price, live market quote, shares value, historical data, intraday chart, earnings per share and news.

Transaction Price: Nickel, Number 1: Shijiazhuang data was reported at 14.670 10TH RMB/Ton in Mar 2004. This records a decrease from the previous number of 15.530 10TH RMB/Ton for Feb 2004. Transaction Price: Nickel, Number 1: Shijiazhuang data is updated monthly, averaging 11.000 10TH RMB/Ton from Feb 1998 (Median) to Mar 2004, with 65 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 15.800 10TH RMB/Ton in Jan 2004 and a record low of 5.750 10TH RMB/Ton in Jul 1999. Transaction Price: Nickel, Number 1: Shijiazhuang data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Price Monitoring Center, NDRC. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PG: Nickel Price.