Indonesia targets at least US$45 billion in processed nickel exports in 2026
Exports reached about US$25.6 billion through August, as the government prioritises commercially viable projects and an integrated nickel industry.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is aiming for exports of downstream nickel products to reach at least US$45 billion by the end of 2026. The ministry said it would pursue the target by extending nickel processing policy and strengthening links across the industry, from mining to manufacturing.
Yan Abrar, coordinator for mineral and coal cooperation and investment at the ministry’s Directorate General of Minerals and Coal, said exports had reached about US$25.6 billion through August 2026. Speaking at the Indonesia-Korea Energy Forum in Denpasar, Bali, in remarks reported on 29 October, he said the annual value had risen from about US$3.3 billion in 2017 to about US$40 billion in 2025.
Yan said Indonesia was taking a selective approach to downstream development, favouring projects with commercial viability, suitable technology, environmental responsibility and links to actual industrial demand. He also said Indonesia’s first class 1 nickel brand had received recognition from the London Metal Exchange, demonstrating that domestic processed products could meet internationally recognised market standards.
The government envisages further development of nickel sulphate, precursor materials, cathodes and battery cells. Yan said the ambition went beyond increasing mineral exports: it also involved connecting mining and processing with advanced materials, manufacturing, recycling, research and workforce development.
