Become a customer

LME nickel prices: The short squeeze

A summary of what happened to nickel trading in March and the impact this had on the publication and display of the LME nickel data on the Fastmarkets platform

April 14, 2022
Battery materials Nickel
  • What happened to nickel trading in March?
  • What is the LME methodology for nickel averages?
  • How to access LME nickel averages on Fastmarkets

During March, LME nickel trading was suspended and then disrupted once trading resumed. Watch this 16-minute summary with Callum Perry, European nickel reporter, and Ben Trotter, product director, describing what happened and the impact this had on the publication and display of the LME nickel data on the Fastmarkets platform.

What to read next
US aluminium demand destruction
The US aluminium industry debates demand destruction following tariffs
The US aluminium industry is experiencing challenges related to tariffs, which have contributed to higher prices and premiums, raising questions about potential impacts on demand. Alcoa's CEO has noted that sustained high prices could affect the domestic market. While trade agreements might provide some relief, analysts expect premiums to remain elevated in the near term. However, aluminum demand is projected to grow over the long term, supported by the energy transition and clean energy projects. To meet this demand, the industry will need to increase production, restart idle smelters and address factors such as electricity costs and global competition.
May 21, 2025
 · 
By Yasemin Esmen
Base metals market update May 2025
Read Fastmarkets' monthly base metals market for May 2025 focusing on raw materials including copper, nickel aluminium, lead, zinc and tin.
May 21, 2025
 · 
By the Fastmarkets team
DRC cobalt export ban
DRC prepares for new decision on cobalt export ban in June
The DRC is set to decide on the future of its cobalt export ban on June 22, potentially extending, modifying or ending the policy. Aimed at boosting local refining and value creation, the ban has left global markets uncertain, with stakeholders calling for clarity as cobalt prices fluctuate and concerns over long-term demand grow.
May 19, 2025
 · 
By Alexander Cook
Tape, Electronics, Hardware
Battery raw materials market update May 2025
Read Fastmarkets' monthly battery raw materials market update for May 2025, focusing on raw materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and more
May 16, 2025
 · 
By the Fastmarkets team
cobalt stockpile
Cobalt market cautious over Glencore-backed Cobalt Holdings plan for 6,000 tonnes purchase
Cobalt Holdings plans to acquire 6,000 tonnes of cobalt. Following their $230M London Stock Exchange listing, this move secures a key cobalt reserve. With the DRC’s export ban affecting prices, the decision reflects shifting industry dynamics
May 13, 2025
 · 
By Sofia Okun
US-China trade agreement
US-China 90-day tariff deal brightens trade and economic outlook
The recent US-China agreement to temporarily reduce tariffs is a major step for global trade, with tariffs on US goods entering China dropping from 125% to 10% and on Chinese goods entering the US decreasing from 145% to 30% starting May 14. While this has boosted markets and created optimism, key industries like autos and steel remain affected, leaving businesses waiting for clearer long-term trade policies.
May 13, 2025
 · 
By Robert England