Sulfuric acid prices rose sharply through the first half of 2026 before retreating from their mid-year peak as supply conditions loosened. Weak downstream demand has contributed to the easing, though the commodity remains a critical revenue buffer for copper smelters facing squeezed processing margins. The price trajectory reflects the interplay between by-product supply dynamics and broader industrial demand.
China's 98% smelting sulfuric acid price eased over the week as spot trading weakened and recovering supply added pressure. Elevated sulfur and metal ore costs provided partial support, but the market faces further downside as lower-priced regional supplies increase competitive pressure.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel Sulfate | China | FOB | USD 4,693.60/MT | July 2026 |
| Nickel Sulfate | India | CIF | USD 4,800.41/MT | July 2026 |
| Nickel Sulfate | USA | CIF | USD 4,881.09/MT | July 2026 |
| Nickel Sulfate | Germany | CIF | USD 4,827.23/MT | July 2026 |
| Nickel Sulfate | Australia | CIF | USD 4,792.06/MT | July 2026 |
| Nickel Sulfate | China | FOB | USD 4,943.86/MT | June 2026 |
| Nickel Sulfate | India | CIF | USD 5,031.41/MT | June 2026 |
| Nickel Sulfate | USA | CIF | USD 5,098.81/MT | June 2026 |
| Nickel Sulfate | Germany | CIF | USD 5,065.35/MT | June 2026 |
| Nickel Sulfate | Australia | CIF | USD 5,009.94/MT | June 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Nickel Sulfate prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Nickel Sulfate prices in China were ~USD 4,790.82/MT in April and ~USD 4,944.00/MT in June, showing a ~3.2% increase. In India, prices increased to ~USD 4,840.82/MT in April and ~USD 5,031.00/MT in June, showing a ~3.9% increase. Asian markets received early support from tighter nickel ore availability, higher sulfur costs and reduced HPAL production. However, improved ore arrivals and weaker nickel metal prices limited further gains. Chinese nickel sulfate remained broadly stable through Q2, with battery-grade demand supported by EV growth but buyers maintaining cautious procurement.
In the United States, nickel sulfate prices were ~USD 4,877.82/MT in April ~USD 5,099.00/MT in June, showing a ~4.5% increase. Regional pricing remained supported by limited domestic battery-material supply and dependence on international sources. However, declining nickel values reduced cost pressure toward quarter-end. Battery supply-chain constraints and continued EV investment supported demand, limiting a sharper correction.
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According to Procurement Resource, nickel sulfate prices are expected to remain influenced by nickel supply availability, battery-sector demand and regional supply-chain conditions, with volatility likely to continue.
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Nickel sulfate prices in Q1’26 reflected a cost-driven increase rather than demand strength, with US prices rising from ~4,629.7 USD/MT (CIF) in January to ~4,812.7 USD/MT in March, marking a ~3.95% increase, while remaining ~16.42% higher quarter-on-quarter. Upstream pressure came from constrained mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) supply and higher sulphur costs, as Indonesian HPAL producers faced feedstock risks due to reliance on Middle East sulphur flows, which were disrupted amid geopolitical tensions and Strait of Hormuz concerns. Trade exposure remained critical, with Indonesia sourcing a large share of sulphur imports from the Middle East, tightening availability and increasing processing costs. Downstream, weaker NMC cathode demand in China and global EV markets, alongside a structural shift toward LFP batteries, capped price momentum despite supply-side tightening. In Europe and North America, prices tracked import parity and elevated logistics costs rather than a strong consumption recovery.
Nickel Sulfate is a green, crystalline, water-soluble compound widely used in various industrial applications. Its most significant use is in the production of lithium-ion batteries, where it acts as a critical precursor for nickel-rich cathode materials. Additionally, it plays a key role in electroplating, providing corrosion-resistant coatings for metals. Nickel Sulfate is also used in catalysts, ceramics, and as a colorant in glass and dyes. With rising demand in the EV sector, its industrial relevance continues to grow globally.
NiSO4
CoreMax Corporation (Taiwan), Umicore Cobalt & Specialty Materials (Belgium), Univertical (U.S.), Shanghai Liangren Chemical Co. LTD. (China), Vizag Chemical International (India), Norilsk Nickel (Russia), Mechema International Group (Taiwan)
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
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Production by the Chemical Reaction Between Nickel Oxide with Sulfuric Acid: The process is initialized by reacting nickel oxide with a hot diluted sulfuric acid solution in a chemical reactor. To obtain nickel sulfate as the final product, the mixture is oxidized in the presence of oxygen at a steady temperature and pressure, which is then heated further to get crystallized and is refined by treating it with barium carbonate resulting in the formation of nickel sulfate crystals.
Nickel Sulfate is widely used in various industrial sectors due to its versatility and nickel content. Its primary application is in the production of lithium-ion batteries, where it serves as a key precursor for nickel-rich cathode materials used in electric vehicles and electronics. It is also crucial in electroplating, providing corrosion-resistant nickel coatings for metal parts. Additionally, Nickel Sulfate is used in catalysts, ceramic glazes, glass coloring, and surface treatment processes, making it valuable across chemical, automotive, and electronics industries.
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This study analyzes Nickel Sulfate Production by the Chemical Reaction Between Nickel Oxide with Sulfuric Acid, covering manufacturing, process flow, operating expenses, and financial considerations.
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