Indonesia Weighs Nickel Export Tax to Move Up Value Chain (1)

Indonesia, the world’s biggest nickel producer, is considering an export tax on some nickel products as part of its broader move to shift away from shipping raw materials.

The government is studying a progressive levy on nickel pig iron and ferronickel that could be imposed as soon as this year, Septian Hario Seto, a deputy for mining and investment at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs, said in an interview on Wednesday.

If nickel prices surge beyond $15,000 a ton, for example, the government could set a 2% tax rate, said Seto. The higher the price, the ...