Cobalt long-term forecast
Insights and expert economic modeling to give you unmatched clarity into how the cobalt market will evolve
Cobalt remains a critical battery material for the electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage system (ESS) markets – with the EVs becoming the largest demand segment in 2022. At the same time, the structure of the cobalt market is changing as new, geographically diverse supply is brought to market and the increased focus on ESG is leading to strides in cleaning up the supply chain.
Market participants, particularly battery makers and automakers benefit from a 10-year view. It gives them more flexibility and confidence to include cobalt in the chemistry plans as supply diversity grows and ESG concerns lessen.
The Fastmarkets cobalt long-term forecast leverages our heritage in providing price data and market intelligence in the cobalt market. These insights are paired with expert economic modeling and data to provide market participants and investors with unmatched clarity on how the cobalt market will evolve in the next 10 years.
The 10-year cobalt long-term forecast includes:
- Price forecasts for cobalt standard grade
- Demand forecasts from the EV and ESS markets and from different car types and battery chemistries
- Key ESG and supply chain qualification criteria
- Supply forecasts including an in-depth review of future supply from existing and new production and projects and geographical analysis, including DRC, Indonesia, Americas, Australia, Africa, Europe and the rest of the world
- Analysis of cobalt processing production
- The developments of cobalt recycling and its impact on the supply chain
- Access to expert analysts
Forecasts and insights that give you unmatched clarity into how the cobalt market will evolve over the decade
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Read some of the latest market coverage coming from our team of price reporters, researchers and editorial team from across the globe
The DRC is set to decide on the future of its cobalt export ban on June 22, potentially extending, modifying or ending the policy. Aimed at boosting local refining and value creation, the ban has left global markets uncertain, with stakeholders calling for clarity as cobalt prices fluctuate and concerns over long-term demand grow.
Read Fastmarkets’ monthly battery raw materials market update for May 2025, focusing on raw materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and more
Cobalt Holdings plans to acquire 6,000 tonnes of cobalt. Following their $230M London Stock Exchange listing, this move secures a key cobalt reserve. With the DRC’s export ban affecting prices, the decision reflects shifting industry dynamics
The US-China trade truce announced on May 12 has brought cautious optimism to China’s non-ferrous metals markets, signaling a possible shift in global trade. Starting May 14, the removal of additional tariffs has impacted sectors like battery raw materials, minor metals and base metals such as zinc and nickel, with mixed reactions. While the improved sentiment has lifted futures prices and trade activity, the long-term effects remain unclear due to challenges like supply-demand pressures and export controls.
Fastmarkets has partnered with the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) to launch a series of cash-settled lithium, spodumene and cobalt futures contracts that will be settled against Fastmarkets assessments.
EVelution Energy is financing $64.8 million in secured subordinated debt under the US’ EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program to fund the construction and operations of its cobalt production facility in Yuma County, Arizona, the company said in a press release on Wednesday, April 9.
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