Indonesia nickel ore imports jump 232% in Q1 on stronger Philippine supply

By Pandu Setiabudi

Indonesia’s nickel ore imports surged 232.2% year on year in the first quarter of 2026, driven by increased reliance on supplies from the Philippines, according to data from the Central Statistics Agency.

Imports in March reached 1.41 million tons, rising 269.4% from the previous month and 266.4% from a year earlier. In value terms, imports totaled $83.0 million, up 336.0% month on month and 424% year on year.

Cumulative imports in Q1 reached 2.01 million tons, up 232.2% year on year, with value increasing 351.0% to $111.5 million from $24.7 million.

The Philippines remained the dominant supplier, accounting for 1.36 million tons in March, up 281.1% month on month and 309.0% year on year. The Solomon Islands contributed 58,400 tons.

For the January to March period, imports from the Philippines totaled 1.87 million tons, up 322.2% from a year earlier. Other suppliers included the Solomon Islands with 85,500 tons and China with 56,600 tons.

Read also : Indonesia’s nickel ore imports in January–February surge 171.6%

On the receiving side, Weda Port in Central Halmahera handled 874,000 tons in March, up 214.6% from the previous month and 161.9% year on year. Other major entry points included Morowali with 215,000 tons, Kendari with 164,000 tons, and Kolonodale with 162,000 tons.

In Q1, Weda remained the main entry point with 1.31 million tons, up 163.2% year on year. Kendari handled 272,000 tons, followed by Kolonodale and Morowali at 215,000 tons each.

The increase in imports reflects reduced domestic mining quotas, prompting smelters to rely more on imported ore, particularly from the Philippines.

Indonesia imported 15.84 million tons of nickel ore in 2025, valued at $747.3 million, with the Philippines accounting for the majority of supply and Weda as the main entry point.

Editing by Alexander Ginting