China's dominance in Indonesia nickel supply faces pressure from battery shifts

Chinese capital and technology have made Indonesia the world's leading nickel supplier, but the country's dependence on Beijing and the industry's move toward nickel-free batteries threaten its longer-term battery sector ambitions.

First covered Aug 19, 2026 · 10:00 PM PT · 1 article · no longer in the live window

China's dominance in Indonesia nickel supply faces pressure from battery shifts — Image via climatechangenews.com

Coverage

38d Climate Home News China keeps Indonesia’s battery dream afloat but future less certain — Chinese capital and technology turned Indonesia into the world’s top nickel supplier, but its dependence on China and the rise of nickel-free batteries could…

Primary sources

comtradeplus.un.org UN Comtrade

energyandcleanair.org En Crea Indonesias Nickel Aimed At Evs But Still Parked In Stainless Steel (energyandcleanair.org)

pubs.usgs.gov Mcs2026 Nickel (pubs.usgs.gov)

More coverage from around the web

asiatimes.com Indonesia shouldn't bet its nickel future on China's EVs alone - Asia Times

chinaglobalsouth.com China’s Nickel-Free EV Batteries Hit Indonesia’s Nickel Plan - The China-Global South Project

nbr.org China’s Influence in Indonesia’s Nickel Sector and Implications for the United States | The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR)

asiatimes.com BYD battery breakthrough crashes Indonesia's nickel cartel dream - Asia Times

asiatimes.com Indonesia's nickel nationalism falters in the face of China's tech - Asia Times

Appeared in: 2026-08-20 (#3)

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