The Democratic Republic of Congo has introduced cobalt export quotas following the suspension period, setting limits on shipments while outlining future allocations. The policy is designed to balance global supply and demand while supporting the country’s ambition to develop domestic processing capacity.

The global battery supply chain race is transforming economic influence, with gigafactories, raw material sourcing and recycling strategies shaping the future of electrification and energy storage

Europe’s battery industry is being urged to prioritise energy storage systems over electric vehicle competition with China, as rising AI-driven power demand and grid pressures highlight the need for scalable storage solutions.

Learn how Fastmarkets price assessments enable derivatives trading, risk management and investment in battery raw materials markets during the energy transition.

Nano One, a Canadian process technology company focused on cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, announced the installation of a proprietary agitator in its 20,000-liter One-Pot reactor based in Candiac, Canada, on August 20.

The DRC cobalt export ban has continued to reduce China’s cobalt intermediate imports in July 2025, driving tighter supply and higher prices. Meanwhile, Chinese cobalt metal exports remained stable despite ongoing market disruptions.

Global lithium-ion battery recyclers are grappling with a severe feedstock shortage, driving up competition for scrap and impacting production capacity. The situation is affecting pricing trends for black mass and battery metals across Europe, Asia and the US.

California-based lithium-sulfur battery-maker start-up Lyten has entered a binding agreement to acquire the remaining Swedish and German assets of failed Swedish battery-maker Northvolt, the US company said late on Thursday August 7.

CME lithium hydroxide futures reached record volumes in July 2025, reflecting strong market momentum and shifting price structures driven by Chinese supply disruptions. Global exchanges are playing a larger role in shaping lithium trading trends.

Spodumene production in Australia and Canada rose in the second quarter of 2025, with most producers maintaining profitability despite falling prices. However, several high-cost operations remain inactive amid ongoing market uncertainty.