Nickel ingots trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in nickel ingots was worth $14.42 billion in 2024, about 787.4 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 24% since 2017, and down 13% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $14.42B | 787.4K t |
| 2023 | $16.64B | 746.4K t |
| 2022 | $19.08B | 776.4K t |
| 2021 | $17.54B | 953.6K t |
| 2020 | $10.95B | 728.4K t |
| 2019 | $13.21B | 909.0K t |
| 2018 | $13.23B | 976.8K t |
| 2017 | $11.60B | 1.01M t |
Top nickel ingots exporting countries
Exports are led by Norway (15%), Canada (13%) and Australia (9%). 81 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 37%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | $2.17B | 15% |
| Canada | $1.80B | 13% |
| Australia | $1.35B | 9.4% |
| Russia | $1.19B | 8.3% |
| China | $1.16B | 8.1% |
| Indonesia | $948.4M | 6.6% |
| Netherlands | $812.7M | 5.6% |
| Finland | $783.5M | 5.4% |
| United Kingdom | $766.6M | 5.3% |
| South Africa | $625.5M | 4.3% |
| Madagascar | $482.2M | 3.3% |
| Japan | $457.5M | 3.2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The Netherlands is the biggest buyer with 14% of world imports, ahead of China and the United States. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 37% across 123 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $1.95B | 14% |
| China | $1.88B | 13% |
| United States | $1.49B | 10% |
| Germany | $976.4M | 6.8% |
| Japan | $907.6M | 6.3% |
| Taiwan | $894.8M | 6.2% |
| France | $709.0M | 4.9% |
| Italy | $638.9M | 4.4% |
| Singapore | $595.9M | 4.1% |
| South Korea | $585.8M | 4.1% |
| India | $575.7M | 4% |
| Sweden | $464.3M | 3.2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $18.31 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, China averaged $19.85 per kg and the Netherlands $14.96 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 7502: Nickel; unwrought. HS 7502 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most nickel ingots?
Norway exported $2.17 billion in 2024, 15% of the world total, followed by Canada (13%) and Australia (9%). In all, 81 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most nickel ingots?
The Netherlands imported $1.95 billion in 2024, 14% of world imports, ahead of China (13%) and the United States (10%). The top three importers together take 37%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in nickel ingots?
It was worth $14.42 billion in 2024, about 787.4 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 24% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $19.08 billion. 81 countries reported exports and 123 reported imports.
What is the average price of nickel ingots per kg?
The world average declared value was about $18.31 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, China averaged $19.85 per kg and the Netherlands $14.96 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for nickel ingots?
The HS code for nickel ingots is heading 7502, in chapter 75 (nickel and articles thereof). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 7502 page.
How can I find nickel ingots buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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