MARKET INSIGHTS
Global nickel powder for MLCC internal electrodes market was valued at USD 826.4 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,600.0 million by 2034, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.4% during the forecast period (2025–2034). This growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for miniaturized electronic components across multiple industries.
Nickel powder is a critical raw material used in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) for internal electrodes, owing to its excellent conductivity, thermal stability, and cost-effectiveness compared to precious metals. The powder is manufactured through various processes including CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), liquid phase method, and PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), with particle size and purity being key quality determinants.
While the consumer electronics segment currently dominates demand due to smartphone and wearables proliferation, the 5G infrastructure rollout and automotive electrification are emerging as significant growth drivers. Major producers like JFE Mineral, Sumitomo, and Shoei Chemical are investing in capacity expansion to meet this rising demand, particularly in Asia-Pacific where over 70% of global MLCC production is concentrated.
Global Nickel Powder for MLCC Internal Electrodes Market – View in Detailed Research Report
Market Size
The market is expected to grow from USD 826.4 million in 2024 to USD 1,600.0 million by 2034, driven by the rapid expansion of miniaturized electronics and the electrification of automotive platforms.
Product Definition
Nickel powder serves as the internal electrode material in MLCCs, providing superior electrical conductivity and thermal stability while remaining cost-effective compared to precious metals such as palladium.
Top 10 Companies in the Global Nickel Powder for MLCC Internal Electrodes Market (2026)
🔟 1. JFE Mineral
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: High‑purity nickel powder for MLCC electrodes
JFE Mineral is a leading supplier of nickel powders, leveraging advanced CVD and liquid‑phase synthesis to produce ultra‑fine particles with exceptional purity. Their extensive production capacity supports the growing demand from major MLCC manufacturers such as Murata and TDK.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Investing in energy‑efficient CVD reactors to reduce CO₂ emissions.
- Expanding production facilities in Southeast Asia to secure supply chain resilience.
- Collaborating with automotive Tier‑1 suppliers on low‑ESR electrode formulations.
🗹 9. 2. Sumitomo Metal Mining
Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Liquid‑phase nickel powder with superior particle size control
Sumitomo Metal Mining has pioneered a proprietary liquid‑phase production method that delivers consistent sub‑micron particles, enhancing the performance of high‑frequency MLCCs used in 5G base stations.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Developing closed‑loop recycling for spent nickel powders.
- Reducing water consumption in powder synthesis processes.
- Partnering with research institutions to explore alloyed nickel powders for thermal management.
🟧 8. 3. Shoei Chemical
Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: High‑purity nickel powder for automotive and consumer electronics
Shoei Chemical’s expertise in CVD and PVD allows it to produce nickel powders with tight particle size distribution, meeting the stringent requirements of automotive electronics and high‑performance consumer devices.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Implementing renewable energy sources across manufacturing sites.
- Optimizing powder flow to minimize waste.
- Expanding R&D into nickel‑cobalt alloys for magnetic applications.
🟢 7. 4. Toho Titanium
Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Nickel powder with high oxidation resistance
Toho Titanium focuses on producing nickel powders capable of withstanding temperatures up to 600°C, enabling their use in high‑temperature automotive environments and industrial applications.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Investing in advanced filtration to reduce airborne particulates.
- Developing nitrogen‑blanketed storage solutions to prevent oxidation.
- Collaborating with automotive OEMs on next‑generation battery management systems.
🟦 6. 5. Murata Manufacturing
Headquarters: Kyoto, Japan
Key Offering: Integrated MLCC production with in‑house nickel powder supply
Murata Manufacturing integrates nickel powder production within its MLCC manufacturing chain, ensuring consistent quality and reducing lead times for its global customer base.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Adopting circular economy principles for end‑of‑life MLCCs.
- Optimizing electrode ink formulations for higher nickel loading.
- Expanding production in the Americas to meet local demand.
🟣 5. 6. Tekna
Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
Key Offering: Plasma‑atomized nickel powder for ultra‑miniaturized MLCCs
Tekna pioneers plasma‑atomization technology, producing nickel powders with sub‑100nm particle size and superior sphericity, essential for the next generation of ultra‑thin MLCCs.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Reducing energy consumption through high‑efficiency plasma reactors.
- Establishing partnerships with semiconductor fabs for joint R&D.
- Implementing antistatic handling protocols to maintain powder quality.
🟠 4. 7. Jiangsu Boqian New Materials
Headquarters: Jiangsu, China
Key Offering: Cost‑effective nickel powder for mid‑range MLCCs
Jiangsu Boqian has rapidly scaled its production to meet the growing demand from domestic and international MLCC manufacturers, offering competitive pricing without compromising on quality.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Implementing water‑recycling systems in powder synthesis.
- Optimizing production schedules to align with renewable energy peaks.
- Collaborating with Chinese OEMs to develop low‑temperature sintering powders.
🟤 3. 8. Hongwu International
Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Key Offering: High‑purity nickel powder for automotive and industrial applications
Hongwu International focuses on delivering nickel powders with ultra‑high purity (99.995%+) to meet the stringent reliability standards of automotive electronics and industrial MLCCs.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Investing in advanced filtration to reduce particulate emissions.
- Developing nitrogen‑blanketed storage systems to mitigate oxidation.
- Expanding R&D into nickel‑cobalt alloys for magnetic applications.
🔵 2. 9. Sakura Metals
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: High‑purity nickel powder for aerospace and defense MLCCs
Sakura Metals specializes in nickel powders tailored for aerospace and defense applications, emphasizing ultra‑high purity and stringent particle size control.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Adopting ISO 14001 certified manufacturing processes.
- Reducing chemical waste through closed‑loop recycling.
- Partnering with defense contractors on next‑generation capacitor technologies.
🔴 1. 10. BASF
Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Nickel powder for high‑performance MLCCs and specialty coatings
BASF’s chemical expertise allows it to produce nickel powders with tailored surface coatings, enhancing conductivity and corrosion resistance for high‑frequency applications.
Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:
- Investing in renewable energy across production sites.
- Developing eco‑friendly binder systems for electrode inks.
- Collaborating with semiconductor manufacturers on integrated supply chains.
Outlook: The Future of Nickel Powder for MLCC Internal Electrodes Market
The nickel powder market is poised for robust growth as miniaturized electronics, 5G infrastructure, and electric vehicle adoption accelerate. While supply chain volatility and technical challenges persist, advances in plasma atomization, alloy development, and sustainable manufacturing are expected to drive cost efficiencies and broaden application scope.
Future Trends Shaping the Market
- Ultra‑fine nickel powders (<100nm) enabling next‑generation ultra‑miniaturized MLCCs.
- Low‑ESR electrode formulations for high‑frequency 5G and IoT devices.
- Nickel‑cobalt alloys for thermal management in automotive electronics.
- Sustainable production practices reducing carbon footprint and waste.
- Strategic partnerships between powder suppliers and MLCC manufacturers to lock in supply and co‑develop technology.
- Top 10 Companies in the Nonionic Silicone Emulsion Market (2026): Market Leaders Powering Global Innovation - June 25, 2026
- Top 10 Companies in the Industrial Potassium Cyanide Market (2026): Market Leaders Driving Global Chemical Supply - June 25, 2026
- Top 10 Companies in the Cyclomethicone Market (2026): Market Leaders Powering Global Personal Care - June 25, 2026
