SITCSection 2

Nickel Mattes

Name: Nickel Mattes (SITC 28421) -- U.S. Import Data
Creator: U.S. Census Bureau
License: https://www.census.gov/about/policies/open-gov/open-data.html

SITC 28421Basic heading5-digit

U.S. imports · July 2026: $14K; YTD $55K

U.S. exports · July 2026: $6K

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U.S. imports of nickel mattes (SITC 28421) totaled $14K in July 2026, traded with 2 countries.

Nickel Mattes imports of $14K in July 2026 ran 73% above the year-to-date monthly average of $8K.

Last updated: July 2026 data

Nickel matte is a smelter intermediate produced by partial processing of nickel sulfide concentrates, containing nickel, copper, and sulfur in varying proportions depending on the smelting operation and target product. It occupies a critical position in the nickel refining chain between concentrate and finished refined nickel or nickel chemicals, and is traded internationally between smelters and refineries that specialize in different stages of processing. The nickel and copper content of the matte, along with penalty elements such as arsenic or lead, are the primary determinants of its commercial value and refining cost.

AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.

1 shipments/mo

12-month trend

ImportsExports

Imports

$14KYoY · Pro

Exports

$6KYoY · Pro

12-mo low · imports

YoY · Pro

Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade above $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.

Through July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

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Basic heading 198 of 239 in section 2

Share of section 2 imports0.0004%

Basic heading 28421 · $14K of $3.8B

Where it comes from, where it lands, what it pays

Imports · July 2026

Countries

origin

Netherlands and United Kingdom together supply 100% of it.

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Districts

customs district

Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.

States

destination

Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.

Ports

entry

Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is nickel matte valued in international trade transactions?

Nickel matte is priced based on its payable nickel and copper content, typically referenced to LME prices for each metal, minus treatment and refining charges negotiated between the seller and the receiving refinery. Penalty deductions apply for impurities such as arsenic, lead, or bismuth that increase refining complexity and cost.

What are the key classification distinctions between nickel matte and other nickel intermediates like nickel oxide sinter or ferronickel?

Nickel matte is a sulfide-based smelter product, distinguishable from nickel oxide sinter (a calcined intermediate from laterite processing) and from ferronickel (an iron-nickel alloy produced directly from laterite ores for stainless steel use). Each intermediate has a different chemical form, nickel content range, and downstream application, and they are classified under separate SITC and HTS headings. Correct identification of the product form is essential for accurate classification at entry.