Nickel, a lustrous, silver-white metal with magnetic properties, is primarily utilized in the creation of stainless steel, high-temperature alloy steel, high-performance special alloys, and nickel-based spray materials. Its applications span a vast array of industries, from aerospace to consumer products, making it a cornerstone of modern manufacturing and technology. This article delves into the multifaceted uses of nickel, its market trends, and the emerging sectors driving its demand.
Nickel-containing alloys are indispensable in the production of aircraft, rockets, tanks, submarines, and radar systems, as well as in various components of atomic energy reactors. The nickel-cobalt alloy, in particular, serves as a crucial magnetic material. Nickel-based alloys are also employed in the manufacturing of jet turbines, turbines, and rolling mill rollers. Structural steel that contains nickel, along with acid-resistant and heat-resisting steel, is applied in the chemical, petroleum, and machinery manufacturing sectors. Stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance, is extensively used in commercial products and construction decoration.
According to the International Nickel Study Group (INSG), the metallurgical industry is the primary consumer of nickel, using it for refining stainless steel, high-temperature alloy steel, soft magnetic alloys, and alloy structure steel. Various nickel-based alloys, such as nickel-chrome and aluminum nickel cobalt, are also in demand. In China, the metallurgical industry's nickel usage accounts for approximately 65%-70% of the country's total nickel consumption, with stainless steel being the largest consumer.
Light industry is another significant consumer of nickel in China. Products such as bicycles, sewing machines, watches, medical devices, household appliances, and architectural ornamentation require nickel plating. China, being a leading bicycle producer globally, has a substantial need for nickel in this sector. Light industry consumption represents nearly 12% of China's total nickel usage.
The chemical, oil, electricity, and machinery manufacturing industries also contribute to nickel consumption in China. Large forged and cast parts, turbines, motors, fans, pumps, and acid-resistant containers require substantial amounts of nickel, nickel alloys, and nickel materials. These industries collectively account for about 10%-12% of Chinese nickel consumption.
New industries have begun to consume nickel, including refinery catalysts, rechargeable batteries, and high-tech materials. These sectors account for roughly 10% of China's nickel usage. The battery industry, in particular, is a burgeoning area of nickel consumption, with products like nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium batteries driving demand. Nickel powder, foam nickel, perforated plated nickel steel, and active hydrogen oxidation nickel are in high demand, often with supply unable to meet the growing needs.
The 1990s saw a relatively stable growth in global nickel production and consumption, without significant fluctuations. Since 1996, global nickel mine production has consistently exceeded 1 million tons, reaching peak levels. Major nickel resource countries include Russia, Canada, New Caledonia, Indonesia, Australia, and Cuba, which together account for about 80% of the world's total nickel output and exports. Nickel smelting is concentrated in countries such as Russia, Japan, Canada, Australia, Norway, China, New Caledonia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Finland.
In China, the production and sales of nickel have been on an upward trajectory. The production of electrolytic nickel and nickel concentrate has maintained an average annual growth rate above 7%, which is relatively high. However, due to the impact of imported raw materials for stainless steel and nickel, the average increase in electrolytic nickel consumption in China has only reached 2%.
For more detailed statistics and information on the nickel market, the International Nickel Study Group (INSG) provides comprehensive reports and data.
Source: International Nickel Study Group (INSG), http://www.insg.org/
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