Cobalt

The trends and forces driving the cobalt market

From continued growth in demand and market share for electric vehicles to the build-up of energy storage systems, cobalt is key in the global transformation to new energy sources. But there is a lack of diversity in the supply chain for battery and automakers. Roughly 70% of mined cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo – where the supply and reputational risks for manufacturers are well known – and 70% of cobalt processing occurs in China.

Logistics and shipping disruptions are still a key issue, and high prices for the battery material continue. In response, we’re seeing an even greater need for the recycling of cobalt for electric vehicles.

We provide data-driven insights and analysis to help you understand the market further. From cobalt price data to futures contracts, forecasts to market news, our experts provide you with intelligence on what’s driving the cobalt market.

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    • Cobalt hydroxide payable indicator, min 30% Co, cif China, % payable of Fastmarkets’ standard-grade cobalt price (low-end)
    • Cobalt tetroxide 72.6% Co min, delivered China, yuan/tonne
    • Cobalt hydroxide, min 30% Co, inferred, China, $/Ib

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    What’s happening in the cobalt market?

    The structure of the cobalt market is changing as new, more diverse supply is brought to market and ESG considerations come more into focus. Get the latest cobalt news and analysis from our expert price reporters, analysts and researchers.

    The DRC’s export quota system has tightened cobalt supply, driving price volatility and prompting shifts in sourcing strategies across the global market.

    Chinese cobalt refiners are preparing to use cobalt metal as feedstock for sulfate and tetroxide production, as tightening supply and price rallies on cobalt hydroxide from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have made smelters look for alternatives, market sources told Fastmarkets.

    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

    Cost and availability concerns around copper have accelerated aluminium substitution in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, with aluminium now used in an estimated 40% of global units, Lionel Chapis, Norsk Hydro’s senior vice president of Hydro Precision Tubing, told Fastmarkets in an exclusive interview on Tuesday August 26.

    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.

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