Nickel Price Trends in Q2 2024
The second quarter of 2024 saw significant fluctuations in the price of nickel. The quarter kicked off with a gentle rise in nickel prices, resulting from increased demand from the stainless steel industry, particularly in developing markets like China.
In April, the prices were marginally affected by the temporary closure of key nickel mines due to environmental and regulatory affairs. However, this did not make a significant impact on the overall market, with prices quickly stabilising.
May saw an unexpected surge in nickel prices, attributed to increased battery demand from the electric vehicle (EV) industry. With several major automotive companies announcing their transition to EV production, the demand for batteries, and consequently nickel, has been on an upward trend.
On the other hand, June saw a decline in nickel prices due to a slowdown in China’s stainless steel sector, which accounts for the majority of the global nickel demand. The decrease was also partly due to increased nickel production in Indonesia and the Philippines, which added to the global supply.
Despite these fluctuations, the average nickel price in Q2 2024 was higher than the same period in 2023, indicating an ongoing upward trend.
Supply and Demand Factors
Increased demand for nickel in the electric vehicle battery industry and ongoing market speculation were key factors driving nickel prices. However, any news of increased supply, such as reports of new mining projects and advances in nickel production technology, tended to dampen prices. Uncertainty in global economic conditions, and shifts in currency exchange rates, particularly the US dollar, also played a part.
Looking forward, we envision that nickel prices may continue to be influenced by the increasing demand from the EV battery market. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, regulatory scenarios related to industrial emissions, and environmental sustainability may shape nickel’s future landscape.
Key Statistics
During Q2 2024, the highest price for nickel reached USD 20,000 per tonne, while the lowest dropped to around USD 16,800 per tonne. Compared to Q2 2023, the average price rose by about 15%.
In recent quarters, nickel’s price volatility has been a key area of focus for investors. As we move forward, understanding the market dynamics influencing nickel prices will be pivotal for investment strategies and risk management.