input for Chinese copper producers is under threat, as importers have stopped buying U.S. copper scrap. There are fears the shipments, which would arrive in January, could be subject to trade conflicts, Commerzbank adds. (joseph.hoppe@wsj.com)

OrangeMan Tarriffs causing disruptions… Metals get hoarded by gov’ts in times of war.

Nickel futures rebounded to above $16,000 per tonne from a 4-year low, fueled by concerns over Indonesia, the world’s largest nickel producer, tightening its mining policies.

Reports indicate that approved mining quotas could decline by up to 27% by 2026, and the government plans to reduce license fees for low-grade nickel ore (less than 1.5% nickel content) used in battery production.

This policy could restrict nickel availability for industries like stainless steel manufacturing.

Additionally, nickel ore imports to Indonesia surged 50-fold year-on-year to over 9.3 million tons between January and October 2024, reflecting efforts to preserve domestic reserves.

Officials have repeatedly warned of dwindling nickel stocks, emphasizing the need to prioritize domestic industries and stabilize prices, according to the mining minister.

Nickel chart:

https://www.tradingview.com/x/2iBUtBTN/

https://www.tradingview.com/x/2PPbgtj7/