As demand for nickel rises, the Philippines can strengthen its role in the EV supply chain. However, a proposed ban on raw mineral exports could reshape its industry. At the same time, global trade tensions are adding uncertainty. New US tariffs on nickel imports, combined with an ongoing supply surplus, are keeping prices volatile.
While some experts predict that the long-term nickel price might increase as demand outpaces supply, near-term challenges remain. Can the Philippines capitalize on this shift, or will market instability hinder progress?
Nickel and Copper Demand Soars – Can the Philippines Capitalize?
The Philippines is the world’s second-largest producer of mined nickel. Copper and nickel both are essential for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs). With the demand for these metals rising, the Philippines has a unique opportunity to become a key supplier in the EV supply chain.
But on February 3, Senate President Francis Chiz G. Escudero approved the measure to ban the export of raw minerals.
He said,
“What we are looking at is to shift our policy from merely exporting raw minerals that will be utilized by other countries to produce higher value products, to developing our processing capabilities. This will result in added value for our minerals-related exports, provide a much-needed boost to our economy and generate employment for our people.”
Boosting Domestic Nickel Refining
If enacted, the ban will take effect in five years, giving mining companies time to establish processing plants. This policy shift is especially significant for key energy metals like nickel, which play a crucial role in the global battery and renewable energy sectors.
Escudero highlighted Indonesia’s 2020 ban on nickel ore exports as a successful example. He hopes that by processing nickel and copper within the country, the Philippines can become a major supplier of battery materials and a key player in the global EV industry.
He also believes that building a strong refining industry will create jobs, reduce dependence on raw material exports, and boost the economy. In the future, this could even help the Philippines manufacture its electric vehicles.
Challenges in Implementation
Mining groups are against a proposed export ban on ore, saying it will hurt the country’s mineral sector.
The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) and the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) support Senate Bill (SB) 2826 but disagree with the ban. The bill introduces a new tax system based on profits, but the groups believe stopping ore exports will cause problems.
They argue that mining companies cannot build processing plants within five years because of high power costs, poor transport systems, and conflicting local rules. The Philippines also has some of the highest electricity prices in Asia, making local processing too expensive.
They said, “Unless these issues are fixed, processing minerals locally will remain just a dream. There are no shortcuts.”
To make this plan work, the government must improve infrastructure, cut energy costs, and help mining companies build processing plants. Without these steps, the export ban could hurt the industries it aims to support.
Supply Surplus and Investment Risks
Even though the Philippines wants to boost its nickel industry, the global market already has too much supply. Big companies have secured their nickel resources, and experts at the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) predict this surplus will grow even more in 2025 and beyond.
As this decision takes shape, the Philippines may face challenges in developing a strong local processing industry. With too much nickel already available, demand may not be high enough to make processing profitable. This could make it hard to attract big investors, slowing down the country’s plans to move from raw ore exports to processed nickel products.
Impact on China’s Nickel Supply
According to SMM, the Philippines exported 54 million metric tons of nickel ore in 2024. Out of this, 43.5 million mt went to China, while 10.35 million mt was sent to Indonesia.
If the Philippines decides to ban ore exports, China could face serious supply disruptions. The country relies heavily on Philippine nickel, especially after Indonesia tightened its mining quotas in 2024. A ban would likely create shortages, pushing China to look for other suppliers or invest in processing facilities within the Philippines to secure its supply.
A Short-Lived Rally for Nickel Prices
So, what happened to nickel prices after the Philippine government’s announcement of considering banning nickel ore exports? Well, as reported by S&P Global, this news sparked optimism in the nickel market, helping prices climb back to $15,811 per ton on February 6.
However, further gains were limited. Between February 7 and February 21, prices remained within the $15,400 to $15,800 range, and fears of worsening trade tensions loomed large.
The Larger Picture: How the U.S Tariff War is Shaping Nickel Prices?
S&P Global has provided deeper insights into how U.S. tariffs could affect nickel prices and the broader American nickel market. In January, the White House announced new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. Following this, nickel prices tumbled to a one-month low of $15,210 per ton.
In early February, President Trump signed executive orders imposing a 10% tariff on imports from China and an even higher 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico. These tariffs took effect on February 4, keeping nickel prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) below $16,000 per ton throughout the month. As trade tensions escalated, market uncertainty overshadowed concerns about a possible nickel ore export ban in the Philippines.
Canada quickly responded. Trudeau announced a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of US goods, set to take effect the same day. But just before the deadline, the US government delayed tariffs on Canada and Mexico by 30 days, temporarily easing market concerns.
Will it Backfire on the US EV Industry?
If the US moves forward with a 10% tariff on nickel imports from Canada after the 30-day delay, it could drive up costs for American industries. Canada supplied nearly one-third of the US’s primary nickel imports in 2024, making it the country’s largest source.
The bigger challenge? The US produces very little nickel. The only nickel-producing mine is Lundin Mining’s Eagle Mine in Michigan. It contributed just 0.21% of global output in 2024 and is set to close before the decade ends. On top of that, the US lacks refining capacity for class 1 nickel, a key material for EV batteries.
If tariffs on Canadian nickel remain in place, it could become harder for US manufacturers to access affordable supplies, especially for the EV and stainless-steel industries. The US had expected to depend on Canada to meet its rising demand for battery-grade nickel.
However, trade restrictions might create challenges for this plan. It can also affect the competitiveness of domestic EV companies in the global market.
The Bottom Line
At present, the global nickel market remains volatile, affected by trade tensions, excessive supply, and evolving policies. All these factors are driving prices down. However, this dim nickel environment is expected to shift in the future.
With a declining market balance and reduced oversupply, nickel prices are forecasted to rise. By 2030 and beyond, demand is projected to exceed supply, leading to a further price increase.
