The global nickel market for the first time in four of the past year could face a deficit, as the global economy recovers from the worst since the Second World War, the recession that is already evident in the growth of demand for stainless steel.

«In 2010, world consumption of nickel may» exceed its production to 36 tonnes, -. Said Akira Nozaki (kira Nozaki), director of the division for sales of nickel raw materials and the Japanese company Sumitomo Metal Mining. — Last year was a surplus in the amount of 27 thousand tons. «.

Nickel prices rose by 50% over the past nine weeks, reaching a two-year high due to the expansion in demand for stainless steel from the construction, food and chemical industries.