Primary nickel production in the world in 2026 will decrease by 4.3% and amount to 3.715 million tons, predicts the International Nickel Research Group (INSG).
At the end of 2025, it increased by 8.1% to 3.88 million tons.
These estimates do not take into account the possibility of any significant disruptions in the operation of enterprises, INSG notes.
Indonesia, the world's leading nickel producer, introduced additional measures in 2026 to tighten regulation of the mining sector. The approved quota for nickel ore production for the current year is set at a significantly lower level than in 2025. However, it could be revised upward depending on the government's assessment of supply and demand.
Global primary nickel consumption is expected to increase 4.2% this year to 3.747 million tonnes. Last year it
