MERCOSUR: Nickel Powder Market 2025

Nickel Powder Market Size in MERCOSUR

The MERCOSUR nickel powder market soared to $X in 2021, growing by 75% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, continues to indicate a deep downturn. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Nickel Powder Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, nickel powder production declined to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, continues to indicate significant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 24,690% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Nickel Powder Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, overseas shipments of nickel powders and flakes were finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2016, thus ending a four-year declining trend. Overall, exports, however, saw a perceptible slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 243%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, nickel powder exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports recorded prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 260% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Brazil (X tons) represented the largest exporter of nickel powders and flakes, constituting 72% of total exports. Chile (X kg) took a 21% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Argentina (7.6%).

Brazil was also the fastest-growing in terms of the nickel powders and flakes exports, with a CAGR of +28.2% from 2012 to 2021. Chile (-16.6%) and Argentina (-17.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Brazil (+67 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Argentina (-19.4 p.p.) and Chile (-47.4 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest nickel powder supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 88% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Chile ($X), with an 8.4% share of total exports.

In Brazil, nickel powder exports expanded at an average annual rate of +48.2% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Chile (-14.5% per year) and Argentina (-20.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 35% against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a resilient expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the export price increased by 62%. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

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 Brazil ($X per ton), while Chile ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (+15.6%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Nickel Powder Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, imports of nickel powders and flakes in MERCOSUR surged to X tons, increasing by 54% against the year before. Overall, imports, however, recorded a abrupt decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 103%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, nickel powder imports surged to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, saw a perceptible downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 110% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Brazil prevails in imports structure, finishing at X tons, which was near 89% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Argentina (X tons), achieving a 7% share of total imports. Chile (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Imports into Brazil decreased at an average annual rate of -7.6% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Chile (+6.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Chile emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +6.4% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Argentina (-6.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Brazil decreased by -2.9 percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported nickel powders and flakes in MERCOSUR, comprising 82% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Argentina ($X), with a 12% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Brazil amounted to -5.2%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Argentina (-2.9% per year) and Chile (+6.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 25% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.8%. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while Brazil ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (+4.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform