Understanding Nickel prices
Raw materials and production
Nickel is produced from sulfide and laterite ores through different processing routes. Refined metal, ferronickel and other intermediate products have different compositions. They are not interchangeable without considering the requirements of the consuming industry.
Applications and consumption
Stainless steel is a major use of nickel, while selected battery chemistries, superalloys and plating also consume it. Alloy performance depends on material quality. Battery manufacturers and stainless-steel mills may therefore require different nickel products.
What affects Nickel prices?
Ore availability, processing capacity, energy costs and stainless-steel output affect nickel markets. Battery production and changes in battery chemistry can alter demand for particular grades. Exchange stocks do not describe every form of nickel traded in physical markets.
How to read Nickel price today
This page follows Nickel in LME · London. The price type is Monthly average, with values expressed in USD/tonne. Compare quotations only after matching the product specification, unit, market and publication period. Changes in the chart describe the recorded series; they do not measure every transaction in the wider market. A local purchase may include freight, processing, taxes or dealer margins. Differences in quality or delivery conditions can therefore produce a different final cost even when the reference price is unchanged.
This is a monthly series. Its latest value belongs to the displayed publication month; a monthly average, settlement or contract reference is not an intraday price today.
Further reading: Royal Society of Chemistry — Nickel ↗
Frequently asked questions about Nickel
What is Nickel price today?
The latest available value is 16,324.00 USD/tonne, for September 2026. It represents Monthly average. Check the displayed period and market before treating it as a quotation for a purchase today. This is a monthly series. Its latest value belongs to the displayed publication month; a monthly average, settlement or contract reference is not an intraday price today.
What affects Nickel prices?
Ore availability, processing capacity, energy costs and stainless-steel output affect nickel markets. Battery production and changes in battery chemistry can alter demand for particular grades. Exchange stocks do not describe every form of nickel traded in physical markets.
What is Nickel used for in everyday life and industry?
Stainless steel is a major use of nickel, while selected battery chemistries, superalloys and plating also consume it. Alloy performance depends on material quality. Battery manufacturers and stainless-steel mills may therefore require different nickel products.
Why can local Nickel prices differ from this chart?
Local offers may include delivery, processing, taxes and commercial margins. Differences in quality, product form, market and contract timing can also change the price. Compare the same specification and unit before drawing conclusions.
Where can I compare historical Nickel prices?
Use the price chart and dated history table on this page, or download the CSV. Choose a period and keep the market, product and units consistent. Missing publication dates are not filled with invented observations.