Nickel Pig Iron Market Size To Reach $23.79 Billion By 2030

Nickel Pig Iron Market Growth & Trends

The global nickel pig iron market size is anticipated to reach USD 23.79 billion by 2030 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The global market is projected to experience dynamic shifts as demand from the stainless steel and ferroalloys industries continues to evolve. With stainless steel production exceeding 58 million metric tons in 2023, NPI remains a critical raw material due to its cost advantages over refined nickel. The industry is expected to be influenced by fluctuating nickel ore availability, policy-driven supply chain changes, and technological advancements in smelting. As major producers expand capacities, the market is anticipated to see heightened competition, particularly between Indonesian and Chinese manufacturers.

High-grade NPI, with nickel content exceeding 12%, is projected to gain prominence as stainless steel manufacturer’s focus on improving product quality and performance. The construction and automotive industries are expected to be key drivers, with rising infrastructure investments in Asia and Europe supporting demand. In China, which accounts for over 50% of global stainless steel output, ongoing industrial upgrades and environmental initiatives may shift preferences toward higher-grade NPI, impacting the global pricing landscape. Meanwhile, production efficiencies and sustainability measures are likely to influence future market positioning.

The low-grade NPI segment, containing less than 8% nickel, is expected to remain relevant in cost-sensitive markets, particularly for lower-end stainless steel applications. Indonesia, the largest producer, saw its NPI output surpass 1.5 million metric tons in 2023, reinforcing its role in supplying China’s mills. However, tightening emissions regulations and a shift toward decarbonization in steel production could challenge the segment’s long-term growth. In addition, evolving trade dynamics and potential tariff implementations by importing countries may alter export strategies for key suppliers.

Nickel prices are projected to remain volatile due to supply chain constraints, geopolitical risks, and demand fluctuations in end-use industries. The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), aimed at reducing carbon-intensive imports, and is expected to impact NPI exports from high-emission production hubs. Concurrently, the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and efforts to secure nickel supply for electric vehicle (EV) batteries could indirectly shape NPI demand by influencing overall nickel consumption patterns. These regulatory changes may lead to market realignments and shifts in production strategies.

Imports of NPI into China, the world’s largest consumer, are projected to remain high as domestic production faces environmental and energy-related restrictions. With over 300,000 metric tons of nickel contained in imported NPI in 2023, Indonesia is set to maintain its dominance as the primary supplier. However, the growing focus on alternative nickel sources, including nickel matte and mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), could influence future import trends. As global supply chains adjust to evolving regulatory and economic conditions, NPI producers are expected to explore new market opportunities while addressing sustainability challenges.

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Nickel Pig Iron Market Report Highlights

• Based on grade, the medium-grade segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 52.5% in 2024, driven by its balanced cost-performance ratio and increasing preference from stainless steel manufacturers for enhanced durability in industrial applications.

• Asia Pacific dominated the market with the largest market revenue share in 2024. The market in this region is projected to dominate global production and consumption, driven by strong stainless steel demand and Indonesia’s expanding smelting capacity.

• The global NPI industry remains highly concentrated, with China and Indonesia accounting for over 95% of total production. According to industry data, Indonesia’s NPI exports to China exceeded 1.5 million metric tons in 2024, reinforcing its dominance in the supply chain.

Nickel Pig Iron Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global nickel pig iron market based on the grade, end-use, and region:

Nickel Pig Iron Grade Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

• Low-grade

• Medium-grade

• High-grade

Nickel Pig Iron End-use Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

• Building & Construction

• Automotive & Transportation

• Consumer Goods

• Mechanical Engineering

• Others

Nickel Pig Iron Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

• North America

  • U.S.

  • Canada

  • Mexico

• Europe

  • Germany

  • Italy

  • Spain

• Asia Pacific

  • China

  • India

  • Japan

  • South Korea

• Central & South America

  • Brazil

• Middle East & Africa

  • Saudi Arabia

List of Key Players in the Nickel Pig Iron Market

• Eramet

• New Yaking Pte. Ltd

• Nickel Industries Limited

• PT MERDEKA BATTERY MATERIALS TBK

• PT. Growth Java Industry

• PT. Gunbuster Nickel Industry (GNI)

• Shandong Xinhai

• Tsingshan Group