Analysis of the characteristics and stability of the global complex nickel ore trade network

Abstract

As an important strategic metal, nickel resources are widely used in military, medical, energy and other industrial fields. Nickel is also an important raw material for stainless steel and new energy development in the future. The stable supply of nickel is of great significance to the country's economic and social development. In the face of the complex and changeable international situation, the possibility of supply risks has dramatically increased, threatening the supply stability and trade security of the global nickel ore trade. By building a nickel ore trade network model, this paper analyzed the essential characteristics of the worldwide nickel ore trade pattern from 2005 to 2019 and found the reasons behind the strong control capabilities of major trading countries. Then robustness is used to simulate and research the trend of nickel ore trade network stability changes in 2019 under the risk of supply disruption. The network met the characteristics of a scale-free network. Therefore, compared with uncertain risks, when countries and routes in the network face malicious attacks, there will have a more significant impact and damage on the stability of the trade network. Especially when a few crucial countries encounter the risk of interruption, the network stability will drop sharply or even make trade difficult to achieve. Based on the research results, some countermeasures and suggestions are put forward to maintain and consolidate the stability of nickel trade network.