Global nickel exports reached approximately US$4 billion in 2025, reflecting a softer performance compared with previous years. Nickel—an essential industrial metal used in stainless steel, batteries, magnets, coins, and electroplating applications—remains a key material in global manufacturing and energy transition supply chains.

Over the past five years, the total value of globally exported nickel declined by -23.3%, falling from US$5.22 billion in 2021. On a year-over-year basis, the market also saw a slight contraction of -1.8%, down from US$4.1 billion in 2024.

Despite fluctuations in market value, nickel continues to play a critical role in modern industry due to its corrosion resistance and wide application in energy storage technologies and industrial production.

The global nickel export market is highly concentrated. The five largest exporters—the Philippines, New Caledonia, Russia, Zambia, and Finland—accounted for approximately 66.5% of total global nickel ore and concentrate exports in 2025, highlighting the dominance of a small group of producing nations.

From a regional perspective, Asia led global nickel exports with shipments valued at around US$1.56 billion, representing 38.9% of the global total. Africa ranked second with 16.5%, followed by Oceania, including New Caledonia, Australia, and the Solomon Islands, which contributed 15.5%.

Smaller shares came from North America (8.3%) and Latin America (6.6%), both excluding Mexico but including Caribbean economies.

For customs classification purposes, nickel ores and concentrates are categorized under HS Code 2604.

Top Nickel Exporting Countries in 2025

The Philippines remained the world's leading nickel exporter in 2025, generating approximately US$1.5 billion, which represented 36.8% of global nickel exports.

New Caledonia ranked second with US$367 million (9.2%), followed by several key global suppliers contributing significantly to the international nickel trade.

Other major exporting countries included:

1. Russia (7.2%, $287.2 Million)

2. Zambia (6.7%, $267 Million)

3. Finland (6.6%, $265.7 Million)

4. Brazil (5.9%, $237.9 Million)

5. Namibia (4.9%, $194.2 Million)

6. Australia (4.8%, $193.5 Million)

7. United States (4.5%, $180 Million)

8. Canada (3.8%, $153.2 Million)

9. Zimbabwe (3.0%, $118.4 Million)

10. Vietnam (1.9%, $76.5 Million)

11. Solomon Islands (1.5%, $59.3 Million)

12. Ivory Coast (1.5%, $58.6 Million)

13. Guatemala (0.70%, $28.1 Million)

Collectively, these 15 countries accounted for 99% of global nickel exports in 2025, underscoring the extremely concentrated nature of the nickel supply chain.

Fastest-Growing and Declining Nickel Exporters

Several countries recorded strong export growth between 2024 and 2025.

The Solomon Islands led global growth with an impressive 137.5% increase, followed by Guatemala at 108%. Australia also experienced strong expansion of 61.4%, while the Philippines recorded a 41.1% increase, reinforcing its position as the world's largest nickel exporter.

In contrast, several major exporters experienced sharp declines. Zimbabwe saw the steepest drop at -74.9%, followed by Finland (-35.4%), Zambia (-17.5%), Russia (-13.8%), and Namibia (-6.6%). These declines reflect market volatility, production shifts, and changing global demand conditions.

Major Nickel Producing Companies in 2025

Based on Tendata global trade intelligence data, the following companies ranked among the leading nickel ore exporters in 2025:

1. CFM INTERNATIONAL (5.78%, $1,589.21 Million)

2. PT VALE INDONESIA (3.23%, $888.59 Million)

3. PT CNGR DING XING NEW ENERGY (2.26%, $620.63 Million)

4. PT NICOLE METAL INDUSTRY (2.04%, $562.28 Million)

5. PT KAO RAHAI SMELTERS (1.93%, $530.21 Million)

6. PT HALMAHERA PERSADA LYGEND (1.91%, $524.34 Million)

7. PT UNIVERSE SMELTER METAL INDUSTRY (1.68%, $461.58 Million)

8. PT LIPE METAL INDUSTRY (1.66%, $457.14 Million)

9. DYNATEC MADAGASCAR SA (1.62%, $445.7 Million)

10. PT HUAKE NICKEL INDONESIA (1.5%, $413.17 Million)

>>Find More Nickel Exporters through Tendata<<

The global nickel market in 2025 reflects a period of adjustment, with declining overall export value but continued strategic importance in industrial manufacturing and battery supply chains. While production remains heavily concentrated in a few key countries, emerging exporters continue to reshape competitive dynamics in the global nickel trade.