Africa: Nickel Powder Market 2025

Nickel Powder Market Size in Africa

In 2021, the African nickel powder market decreased by -9% to $X for the first time since 2015, thus ending a five-year rising trend. Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw a resilient increase. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

Nickel Powder Production in Africa

In value terms, nickel powder production reduced to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 26% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2020, and then fell in the following year.

Nickel Powder Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2021, shipments abroad of nickel powders and flakes increased by 525% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a deep contraction. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, nickel powder exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a mild setback. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

South Africa represented the largest exporting country with an export of about X tons, which accounted for 56% of total exports. Madagascar (X tons) held a 28% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Morocco (15%).

Exports from South Africa decreased at an average annual rate of -11.5% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Morocco (+16.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Morocco emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of +16.4% from 2012-2021. Madagascar experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Madagascar and Morocco increased by +28 and +13 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) emerged as the largest nickel powder supplier in Africa, comprising 60% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Morocco ($X), with a 21% share of total exports.

In South Africa, nickel powder exports contracted by an average annual rate of -5.8% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Morocco (+18.2% per year) and Madagascar (-1.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -21.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, continues to indicate a buoyant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 84%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2020, and then dropped notably in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Morocco ($X per ton), while Madagascar ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+6.5%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Nickel Powder Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2021, the amount of nickel powders and flakes imported in Africa soared to X tons, picking up by 330% against the previous year's figure. In general, imports posted strong growth. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, nickel powder imports amounted to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 46% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

South Africa dominates imports structure, reaching X tons, which was approx. 89% of total imports in 2021. Egypt (X tons) and Botswana (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Imports into South Africa increased at an average annual rate of +10.7% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Botswana (+38.3%) and Egypt (+21.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Botswana emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Africa, with a CAGR of +38.3% from 2012-2021. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Egypt and Botswana increased by +2.5 and +1.5 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported nickel powders and flakes in Africa, comprising 58% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Egypt ($X), with a 19% share of total imports.

In South Africa, nickel powder imports decreased by an average annual rate of -10.6% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Egypt (+12.8% per year) and Botswana (+28.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, declining by -74.2% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a deep setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the import price increased by 35% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Egypt ($X per ton), while Botswana ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Botswana (-7.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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