The price differential between high-quality nickel and lower-grade nickel pig iron is anticipated to decrease in the coming years

Indonesia, the largest producer of nickel in the world, has experienced a significant increase in the production of the mineral, which holds a pivotal role in the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries and cars. This has greatly benefited the manufacturers of these products.

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The surge in production has also led to a surplus of high-quality nickel, which has lowered the prices of the mineral for the upcoming years. As a result, the gap in the prices of nickel pig iron and high-quality nickel is decreased and is forecasted to remain the same.

The nickel costs were higher prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, to ensure the continuous supply of rare earth minerals used in the manufacturing of EV batteries, the world's leading international energy body is reportedly considering new guidelines. Moreover, analysts have predicted that the surplus in the global nickel market will continue to grow through at least 2028.

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Nickel prices rose in the early months of 2022 due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In response, Indonesia ramped up its nickel production by 54% last year to fill the supply gap. Chinese firms in Indonesia plan to convert nickel pig iron furnaces to produce matte, which can be turned into metal or nickel sulphate for battery manufacturing. This will result in an excess of high-quality nickel.

According to Procurement Resource, Indonesia's significant nickel production and the ensuing surplus have had a considerable impact on the global market. The availability of high-quality nickel has resulted in a reduction in the price gap between nickel pig iron and high-quality nickel. This has benefitted electric vehicle battery manufacturers since high-quality nickel is a crucial material used in battery production.