The Democratic Republic of Congo—currently the world’s largest cobalt producer—has extended its temporary ban on cobalt exports by three months, now effective through September 2025
- This follows the initial four-month suspension initiated in February, after cobalt prices plunged to a nine-year low of around $10 per pound.
Even before the ban’s extension, it significantly boosted cobalt prices — up 35%, following forced shipment halts by Glencore
- Other regions, such as Indonesia, are positioning themselves to respond to any ongoing restrictions, which could shift market shares and supply chains
