Unveiling structural differentiation in the global nickel trade network: A product chain perspective

This research aimed to understand supply and demand in the global nickel market from a product chain perspective. Accordingly, we established an extensive time-series database for the nickel trade network and employed network analysis methods to explore the dynamics and shifts in the global nickel trade network. The results are as follows: first, refined nickel and nickel semis dominated global nickel trade; second, the interaction between different nickel product networks profoundly affected the global nickel supply chain; third, the global nickel trade network consisted of core-periphery structures exhibiting different degrees of spatial heterogeneity; and fourth, the most connected global backbone structure was in nickel semis, followed by refined nickel, nickel ore, and nickel scrap. Together, trade in these four products constituted an overall network topology characterized by complex forms, a clear hierarchy, and uneven development. We conclude the paper by making several recommendations to secure global nickel supply chains and promote nickel circular economy.