Title
Worldwide Nickel Ore Trade, Its Stability and the Characteristics: A Fresh Policy Analysis
Authors
Abstract
Purpose: The study is conceptualized to examine structural characteristics and the strength of nickel ore network trading from 2011 to 2025, and focuses on studying major nations’ involvement and their risk potential for disruptions in supply.
Design/methodology/approach: Network analysis is utilized to examine the topology of the nickel ore trade network and recognize influential players. Robustness simulations are directed to evaluate the influence of targeted and random disruptions on network stability, with emphasis on vulnerabilities associated with critical nodes.
Findings: The findings reveal that the nickel ore trade network shows a scale-free structure, where a few dominant states exercise disproportionate influence on the trade flows. Simulation findings confirm that disruptions among these key players abruptly decrease network stability, escalate systemic risks, and endanger international supply chains.
Research limitations/implications: The analysis is constrained by data availability and doesn’t encompass informal networks of trade or future policy changes that could transform network structure.
Practical implications: Findings provide actionable policy recommendations for governments and industry stakeholders to design strategies that enhance resilience, diversify trade routes, and ensure a sustainable nickel supply.
Originality/value: The originality of this study lies in the application of network robustness simulations to the global nickel ore trade, offering a novel, evidence-based assessment of systemic risks from targeted disruptions—a dimension underexplored in prior literature.
Relevance to Decision Sciences: This research contributes to the field of Decision Sciences by providing a quantitative framework that supports policymakers and corporate strategists in evaluating supply chain vulnerabilities, anticipating risks, and making informed decisions regarding resource security and international trade policy.
Keywords
Nickel ore trade, Network analysis, Supply disruption, Scale-free network, Trade stability
Classification-JEL
F14, Q37, L72, C63, O13
Pages
85-118
How to Cite
Laurinavicius, A., Salman, A., Ghanem, M. E. A., Laurinavicius, A., & Uddin, M. A. (2025). Worldwide Nickel Ore Trade, Its Stability and the Characteristics: A Fresh Policy Analysis. Advances in Decision Sciences, 29(3), 85-118.