Indonesia redefines ferronickel exports in first step toward centralized control

Indonesia has taken the first concrete step toward centralizing its strategic mineral exports by rewriting the definition of ferronickel. The new regulation, which took effect on June 1, tightens controls on products that global markets had traditionally defined as ferronickel and nickel pig iron (NPI). The new controls will be fully implemented from January 1 next year.

Under Finance Ministry Regulation No. 32/MK/BC/2026, signed on May 31, Jakarta has expanded the scope of HS 7202.60.00 to include ferronickel products of various grades and forms. According to the regulation, restricted products include: "Ferronickel (FeNi) in lump and ingot forms, with a nickel content of 8% or more; granular