Indonesia Nickel Matte Export Data: Importers, Destinations
Indonesia nickel matte exports hit $8.19B in 2025, up 14.9%. China absorbed 86% of value. Explore latest Indonesia customs data and buyer records on yTrade.
Key Takeaways
- Indonesia's nickel matte exports (HS 7501) reached $8.19 billion across 1,180 shipments in 2025
- Shipment count grew 24.9% year-on-year, while export value grew 14.9%
- Average unit price declined 4.7% to $3.62 per kilogram
- China absorbed 86% of total export value; Japan accounted for the remaining 14%
- Nickel oxide sinters (HS 750120): $5.32 billion — 65% of total export value
- Basic nickel mattes (HS 750110): $2.87 billion — 35% of total export value
This overview covers the period January–December 2025 and is based on verified Indonesia customs data from the yTrade database.
Indonesia Nickel Matte Export Value and Volume in 2025
The 2025 Indonesia Nickel Mattes Export data shows a total value of $8.19B across 1.18K shipments. This represents a significant 14.9% year-over-year increase in value from 2024, while shipment frequency grew even faster at 24.9%, indicating a robust expansion in operational cadence. The divergence suggests that while export volume surged, unit pricing faced pressure, a dynamic that could compress margins for producers and alter risk exposure for cargo underwriters and forwarders handling these high-value bulk commodities.
- Total export value: $8.19 billion
- Total shipments: 1,180
- Average unit price: $3.62/kg
- Year-on-year shipment growth: +24.9%
- Year-on-year value growth: +14.9%
Under today’s policy environment, Indonesia nical matte export data in 2025 help establish a critical baseline for trade flows now governed by the new US-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade [Fact Sheet: Trump Administration Finalizes Trade Deal with Indonesia].
While the deal's text does not explicitly mention nickel, its commitment from Indonesia to remove export restrictions on all industrial commodities, including critical minerals, could support future volumes. However, the U.S. maintains a 19% reciprocal tariff on most imports, making the hs code 7501 value a key metric to track for potential duty liabilities and competitive positioning. Monitoring this data platform is essential for navigating the new compliance landscape.
Table: Indonesia Nickel Mattes Export Value, Weight, Unit Price(Source: yTrade)
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Value | 8.19B USD | 7.12B USD | +14.92% |
| Total Weight | 2.26B kg | 1.88B kg | +20.59% |
| Frequency | 1.18K | 948.00 | +24.89% |
| Avg Unit Price | $3.62/kg | $3.80/kg | -4.70% |
Nickel Oxide Sinters vs. Nickel Matte: What Indonesia Exports Based on Indonesia Customs Data
Indonesia primarily exports Nickel oxide sinters and other intermediate products of nickel metallurgy (HS 750120), valued at $5.32 billion and accounting for 65% of the export value for this category in Jan–Dec 2025. A smaller share, 35% ($2.87 billion), comes from basic Nickel mattes (HS 750110). This structure shows exports are heavily skewed toward a more processed, bulk intermediate product rather than the basic matte. The market is highly concentrated, with the single sintered oxide product line dominating the export value.
HS 750120 — Nickel oxide sinters: Export value: $5.32 billion — 65% of total value
- Primary use: feedstock for nickel refining in stainless steel production
HS 750110 — Basic nickel mattes: Export value: $2.87 billion — 35% of total value
- Primary use: precursor for battery-grade nickel sulfate used in EV lithium-ion batteries
Both product types are intermediate products — they require further processing before reaching end-use applications in stainless steel or battery manufacturing.
Table: Indonesia Nickel Matte Export Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)
| HS Code | Product Description | Value | Weight | Quantity | Frequency | Value Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750120 | Nickel; oxide sinters and other intermediate products of nickel metallurgy | 5.32B | 1.96B | 1.97M | 879.00 | 64.96% |
| 750110 | Nickel; nickel mattes | 2.87B | 298.65M | 416.72K | 305.00 | 35.04% |
Which Countries Import Nickel Matte from Indonesia
Indonesia’s exports of nickel matte are overwhelmingly concentrated in a single market, with China mainland accounting for 86% of total value and 95% of export weight. Japan is the only other significant buyer, taking 14% of the value, while all other destinations—including South Korea, India, and Taiwan—collectively represent less than 0.1% of the export value, indicating a highly concentrated and dependent trade structure.
HS Code 750120 Top Export Destinations
The primary importers for this sub-type are China mainland, South Korea, and India. China mainland dominates with 5.31B in value (1.96M in weight), followed distantly by South Korea (5.88M) and India (1.50M). China’s massive share reflects its role as the central processing hub for nickel intermediates to feed its stainless steel and battery supply chains. South Korea’s smaller, high-value shipments likely serve specialized alloy or chemical producers. India’s imports, though modest, may be for pilot-scale or niche metallurgical applications.
- Top 1: China Mainland - Total Value 5.31B
- Top 2: South Korea - Total Value 5.88M
- Top 3: India - Total Value 1.50M
- Top 4: United Kingdom - Total Value 4.81K
HS Code 750110 Top Export Destinations
HS Code 750110 is exported mainly to China mainland (1.74B) and Japan (1.13B), with minor volumes to South Korea and Taiwan. Japan’s significant share, nearly matching China’s in value but with lower weight, suggests demand for higher-purity or specific-grade material for its advanced electronics and specialty steel industries. China’s imports here complement its broader nickel matte intake for integrated refining. The small shipments to Taiwan and South Korea point to JIT replenishment for regional manufacturing clusters.
- Top 1: China Mainland - Total Value 1.74B
- Top 2: Japan - Total Value 1.13B
Table: Indonesia Nickel Mattes Top Destination Countries (Source: yTrade)
| HS Code | Country | Value | Quantity | Frequency | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750120 | CHINA MAINLAND | 5.31B | 1.96M | 866.00 | 1.96B |
| SOUTH KOREA | 5.88M | 1.90K | 2.00 | 1.90M | |
| INDIA | 1.50M | 638.55 | 4.00 | 638.54K | |
| UNITED KINGDOM | 4.81K | 3.00 | 2.00 | 2.00K | |
| BELGIUM | 247.57 | 0.10 | 1.00 | 100.00 | |
| 750110 | CHINA MAINLAND | 1.74B | 300.17K | 195.00 | 182.84M |
| JAPAN | 1.13B | 116.52K | 107.00 | 115.77M | |
| SOUTH KOREA | 191.67K | 19.66 | 1.00 | 19.66K | |
| CHINA TAIWAN | 179.16K | 18.38 | 2.00 | 18.38K |
Get Indonesia Nickel Mattes (HS Code 7501) Complete Destination Countries Profile
Indonesia Nickel Mattes Top Buyers
yTrade’s buyer list includes: HONG KONG RUI PU CO., LIMITED (Total Value 1.47B), HUAYOU HONG KONG CO., LIMITED (Total Value 1.38B), NINGBO LYGEND WISDOM CO.,LTD (Total Value 1.25B).
These companies represent major Chinese battery materials and nickel refining operators. Over 95% of total export value flows through a small group of repeat, high-volume buyers.
Table: Indonesia Nickel Mattes (HS Code 7501) Top Buyers List (Source: yTrade)
| Buyer Company | Value | Quantity | Frequency | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HONG KONG RUI PU CO., LIMITED | 1.47B | 244.62K | 242.00 | 244.62M |
| HUAYOU HONG KONG CO., LIMITED | 1.38B | 518.30K | 73.00 | 518.30M |
| NINGBO LYGEND WISDOM CO.,LTD | 1.25B | 425.45K | 256.00 | 422.46M |
| EVE ASIA CO., LIMITED | ****** | ****** | ****** | ****** |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Nickel Mattes did Indonesia Export in 2025 (HS Code 7501)?
According to the yTrade Indonesia custom data, Indonesia exported $8.19B worth of Nickel Mattes (HS 7501) in 2025 across 1.18K shipments.
What is nickel matte used for in manufacturing?
Nickel matte is an intermediate smelting product containing 70–75% nickel. It is further refined into pure nickel for use in stainless steel alloys, and into nickel sulfate for lithium-ion EV battery cathodes.
What is the HS Code 7501 breakdown for Indonesia Nickel Mattes Export?
Indonesia’s HS 7501 exports are dominated by Nickel oxide sinters (HS 750120), accounting for 65% ($5.32B), while basic Nickel mattes (HS 750110) make up 35% ($2.87B).
How is nickel matte (HS 7501) different from ferronickel (HS 7202)?
Nickel matte has a much higher nickel content (70–75%) and is primarily processed into battery-grade materials or high-purity nickel. Ferronickel (20–40% nickel) is an iron-nickel alloy used directly in stainless steel production without further refining.
Who are the main buyers of Indonesia Nickel Mattes?
China mainland is the top buyer (86% of value), followed by Japan (14%), with negligible shares for other markets like South Korea and India.
Who imports most nickel matte from Indonesia?
Companies like HONG KONG RUI PU CO., LIMITED (Total Value 1.47B), HUAYOU HONG KONG CO., LIMITED (Total Value 1.38B), NINGBO LYGEND WISDOM CO.,LTD (Total Value 1.25B) buy nickel matte from Indonesia.
Why does China buy the majority of Indonesia's nickel matte?
China's stainless steel industry accounts for approximately 55% of global production, requiring large quantities of nickel inputs. Chinese battery manufacturers also source nickel matte as a precursor for EV battery-grade nickel sulfate. Indonesia is the closest and largest source of nickel intermediate products.
yTrade contributor
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