Cobalt traded flat at 33,335 USD/T on July 24, 2025. Over the past month, Cobalt's price has remained flat, but it is still 25.20% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Cobalt - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on August of 2025.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Cobalt in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

The futures price of cobalt ranged between ****** and ****** U.S. dollars per metric ton between August 2019 and May 2024. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis can be appreciated between March and July 2020, when cobalt futures prices dropped to around ****** U.S. dollars per metric ton. The first significant increase in this figure following the beginning of the pandemic was in August 2020, followed by a generalized increase throughout 2021 to the reach a peak of ****** U.S. dollars in March 2022. Futures vs. Spot prices Futures prices are delineated in futures contracts, which allow buying or selling a commodity at a predetermined price and date, helping investors forecast the market through futures prices. Almost ** billion futures contracts were traded worldwide in 2022. In comparison, spot prices indicate the current cost of buying a commodity. For example, the average cobalt spot price in the United States was ** U.S. dollars per pound in 2022. Cobalt in battery production Cobalt is a primary component of producing batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, used in various electronic devices, especially electric vehicles (EVs). EV batteries require a specific amount of cobalt, while conventional vehicles do not. With an increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries in EVs as the EV industry advances, the global cobalt market volume is expected to increase continuously by 2025.

In 2024, the average spot price of cobalt cathode in the U.S. stood at an estimated ** U.S. dollars per pound. That was a slight decrease compared to the previous year's spot price, which was **** U.S. dollars per pound. While cobalt spot prices have been on the rise in many recent years, they are still lower than in 2018, when the cobalt spot price reached a high of ***** U.S. dollars per pound. Cobalt prices Due to market surpluses of cobalt, prices of the mineral commodity have decreased compared to 2022. In 2022, the annual average global price for one metric ton of cobalt amounted to ****** U.S. dollars, while it is expected to decrease to ****** U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2024. The cobalt futures price as of February 2024 stood at ****** U.S. dollars per metric ton. Cobalt in the United States The largest share of cobalt consumption in the United States is attributable to superalloys, followed by chemical and ceramic uses, then steel alloys, and finally cemented carbides. Since the U.S. has only one domestic cobalt mine that opened in 2022, domestic demand is partially met through imports. Between 2019 and 2022, Norway was the largest supplier of cobalt imports to the United States. As of 2021, cobalt in its metal form had the highest value out of all cobalt imports to the United States.

One metric ton of cobalt cost ****** U.S. dollars in 2022. Industry analysts forecast that the global cobalt price will decrease to less than ****** U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2023 due to a market surplus.

The global cobalt market is valued at 16.12 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 34.73 billion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 7.23% during the forecast period.

The Cobalt Market Report is Segmented by Form (Chemical Compound, Metal, and Purchased Scrap), Application (Batteries, Alloys, Catalysts, Tool Materials, and More), Production Source (Primary and Secondary), End-User Industry (Automotive, Aerospace and Defense, Consumer Electronics, and More), Geography (Production) (Australia, Canada, China, and More), and Geography (Consumption) (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, and More).

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Cobalt Market Size 2025-2029

The cobalt market size is forecast to increase by USD 9.17 billion at a CAGR of 12.9% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and their batteries, which rely heavily on cobalt for their production. The market is further fueled by the rising number of mining projects aimed at meeting the surging demand for this critical mineral. However, the market's growth trajectory is not without challenges. Regulatory hurdles, particularly those related to ethical sourcing and environmental concerns, impact adoption and pose a significant challenge. Cobalt mining, primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been linked to human rights abuses and child labor, leading to increased scrutiny and potential regulatory restrictions. The market is experiencing significant growth due to the expanding electric vehicle industry, which utilizes this mineral as a crucial component in lithium-ion batteries.
Moreover, supply chain inconsistencies, including the lack of transparency and reliability, temper growth potential and add complexity to the market landscape. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities must navigate these challenges effectively by ensuring ethical sourcing, improving supply chain transparency, and investing in alternative, more sustainable sources of cobalt.

What will be the Size of the Cobalt Market during the forecast period?

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The market is experiencing significant dynamics and trends, driven by the increasing demand for batteries in various industries. Cobalt, a crucial component in battery production, is under scrutiny due to sustainability concerns and the exploration of alternatives. Hydrometallurgical extraction and solvent extraction processes are gaining traction as potential cobalt supply chain solutions, while cobalt price forecasting remains a critical factor in the industry. Battery efficiency and performance are key considerations in the market, with the development of solid-state batteries and nickel-rich and manganese-rich cathodes. Recycling technologies and ethical cobalt sourcing are also essential as the industry addresses battery safety concerns and the issue of conflict minerals. Cobalt, a crucial element in various industries, has gained significant attention due to its essential role in battery production for renewable energy sources and electric vehicle.
Cobalt reduction and substitution are ongoing efforts to mitigate sustainability issues and reduce reliance on primary mining. Cobalt purification and trading are integral to maintaining the quality and consistency of the supply chain. The future of the market hinges on the successful implementation of these trends and the continued innovation in battery technology. Cobalt-free batteries are a promising alternative, but their adoption remains limited due to battery life and consumption concerns. Leaching processes and regulatory frameworks for cobalt mining are also evolving to address sustainability and ethical sourcing issues. Overall, the market is undergoing transformative changes, driven by the need for sustainable and ethical battery production. Cobalt is a key component in lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems
The integration of alternative materials and advanced extraction techniques, along with regulatory compliance and ethical sourcing, will shape the future of the industry.

How is this Cobalt Industry segmented?

The cobalt industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Cobalt sulfate
  Cobalt oxide
  Cobalt metal


Application

  Batteries and electronics
  Super alloys
  Pigments
  Hard materials
  Others


Form Factor

  Chemical compound
  Metal
  Purchased scrap


End-user

  Electronics
  Automotive
  Aerospace
  Medical
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    Russia
    UK


  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The cobalt sulfate segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Cobalt, a critical component in the production of battery materials, particularly cobalt sulfate, plays a pivotal role in powering various industries. The electric vehicle sector's expansion, driven by consumer preferences for sustainable transportation and government incentives, significantly increases the demand for cobalt. Cobalt mining and mineral processing are essential for extracting this mineral, with geochemical exploration guiding mine developmen

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Cobalt Acetate in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

The global cobalt market surged to $X in 2021, rising by 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw resilient growth. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the global market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

The global Cobalt Market size is expected to reach USD 27.4 Billion in 2032 registering a CAGR of 5.8%. Our report provides a comprehensive overview of the industry, including key players, market share, growth opportunities and more.

Global Cobalt Market has valued at USD 15.98 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.19% through 2028.

After four years of growth, the New Zealand cobalt market decreased by -23.1% to $26K in 2024. Over the period under review, consumption, however, showed slight growth. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $40K. From 2015 to 2024, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Dive into Market Research Intellect's Cobalt Metal Market Report, valued at USD 9.2 billion in 2024, and forecast to reach USD 15.8 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2026 to 2033.

The market volume of cobalt is forecast to amount to a total of nearly ******* metric tons worldwide in 2025, an increase of more than 100 percent from the 2017 market volume of ****** metric tons.

The global electrolytic cobalt market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand from key sectors such as the aerospace industry, power generators, and the chemical industry. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $1.5 billion USD, projecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by the rising adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy technologies, both of which heavily rely on cobalt for battery production and energy storage solutions. Furthermore, the expanding aerospace industry's need for high-performance alloys and the growing demand for cobalt in chemical applications are significantly contributing to market expansion. The high-purity segments, particularly above 99.9%, are witnessing higher growth rates due to their critical role in advanced technologies. Major players like Sumitomo Metal Mining, Nornickel, and Umicore are actively shaping the market landscape through strategic investments in production capacity and technological advancements. However, price volatility and supply chain constraints, particularly concerning responsible sourcing and ethical mining practices, present significant challenges to sustained market growth. Government regulations promoting sustainable mining and recycling initiatives are expected to mitigate these risks in the coming years. While challenges exist, the long-term outlook for the electrolytic cobalt market remains positive. Continued technological advancements in battery technology and the expanding renewable energy sector are anticipated to drive demand, despite the restraints. The market segmentation by application and purity level provides opportunities for specialized players to cater to niche requirements within these rapidly evolving industries. Regional variations in growth are expected, with Asia-Pacific projected to lead due to its substantial EV manufacturing base and growing chemical industry. North America and Europe will also contribute significantly, driven by advancements in aerospace and renewable energy sectors. The market's growth trajectory is expected to be influenced by geopolitical factors and global economic conditions, but the underlying demand drivers remain powerful and suggest continued expansion throughout the forecast period.

The global cobalt market attained a volume of around 200.10 KMT in the year 2024. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.90% between 2025 and 2034 to reach a volume of almost 469.38 KMT by 2034. The cobalt market has seen a gradual increase due to the rapid rise in electric vehicles (EV) and their respective battery chemistries. The market is expected to grow at a rapid rate as cobalt consumption will increase in the future, owing to its essentiality in NMC batteries which are mostly used in EVs. All-purpose Li-ion batteries, like those used in power tools and e-bikes, for example, require cobalt for performance, durability, and range. More importantly, the global market growth depends heavily on the U.S. market as manufacturers are increasingly competing to optimize battery efficiency. Cobalt is expected to remain an important element in future battery technologies, as demand for EVs keeps increasing.

Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt stock price, live market quote, shares value, historical data, intraday chart, earnings per share and news.

Cobalt is available in various forms, including chemical compounds, metal, and purchased scrap. Chemical compounds, comprising cobalt salts and oxides, find applications in catalysts, pigments, and magnetic materials. Metallic cobalt is utilized in super alloys, hardfacing materials, and coatings. Purchased scrap plays a significant role in recycling and waste reduction efforts. Recent developments include: December 2021 - , In December 2021, Kabanga Nickel announced their plan to invest heavily in their upcoming project of nickel-cobalt-copper property to increase their production., April 2022 - , In April 2022, Glencore and General Motors signed a sourcing agreement, where Glencore will be bound to supply cobalt from its Murrin operations to General Motors. , March 2022 - , In March 2022, MMG announced its business expansion in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by investing about USD 500 million., . Key drivers for this market are: The Cobalt Market is propelled by several driving forces. The rising popularity of electric vehicles and their growing battery capacity requirements drive cobalt demand. The increasing adoption of cobalt-based catalysts in various industries and the expanding use of cobalt in energy storage systems further contribute to market growth.. Potential restraints include: The Cobalt Market faces certain challenges and restraints. Concerns over the sustainable and ethical sourcing of cobalt, particularly from conflict-prone regions, pose a challenge. The dependence on a few key production regions, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, raises supply chain vulnerability concerns. Additionally, market dynamics may be impacted by fluctuations in the price of cobalt.. Notable trends are: Growing demand for polymerization and blowing agents.

The U.S. cobalt market soared to $209M in 2024, rising by 22% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, consumption, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern.