The nickel price on the London Metal Exchange (LME) rose above $18,000 per metric ton, marking the first breach since November 9, 2023, a shift evident in real-time currency and commodity data.
During March 8 trading, the platform reported a 0.72% uptick to 18.02 thousand dollars per ton at 9:51 Moscow time. Shortly after, momentum eased, and by 10:23 Moscow time nickel stood at 17.98 thousand dollars per ton, a 0.5% gain for the moment. This intraday movement underscores the metal’s sensitivity to macro signals, including energy costs, currency moves, and supply expectations across major consuming regions in North America and beyond. Analysts watching North American stainless steel production and alloy markets note how even small price shifts can ripple through downstream sectors, influencing procurement calendars and hedging posture. Reuters-style market summaries and exchange notices corroborate the day’s volatility, with traders citing liquidity conditions and shifting hedges as contributing factors. Citation: Market data feeds and exchange disclosures, 2025.
In January, uranium prices on the spot market surged to $94.40 per pound, reaching the highest level seen since late 2007 during this cycle. Industry observers described a renewed interest in nuclear fuel amid ongoing concerns about sanctions, logistics, and supply chain reliability for key sources from major producers. The so‑called nuclear renaissance gained momentum amid geopolitical frictions and regional events affecting supply routes, including disruptions related to Niger and other notable supply constraints, with operators like Orano cited in market commentary as active participants in the shifting landscape. Citation: Market briefings and commodity reports, 2025.
Some analysts project that uranium could climb further, with estimates suggesting prices might test the $300 per pound mark in the horizon as the market absorbs supply risks, replacement costs, and potential policy responses from major buyers. The spot price average for December 2023 stood around $91 per pound, reflecting roughly a 1.8x increase versus January levels as market dynamics persisted. These trends are closely watched by energy producers and industrial users in North America, who assess hedging strategies and long‑term procurement plans against evolving risk factors. Citation: Industry analyses and price trackers, 2025.
The United States has repeatedly underscored uranium as a strategic commodity, with the market dynamics showing a recurring dependence on primary suppliers outside North American borders. This ongoing supply picture influences not only price levels but also policy discussions about strategic reserves, nuclear fuel cycling, and the resilience of energy supply chains across the region. Citation: Policy summaries and supply chain reports, 2025.