Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2025-09-19 01:17Core Insights - Cobalt-based alloys exhibit significant performance advantages, leading to widespread applications in aerospace, marine engineering, energy, medical, and industrial furnace sectors. Aerospace is the largest application field for cobalt-based alloys, primarily used for high-temperature alloy blades and components in aircraft engines and rocket propulsion systems [1][10] - The demand for cobalt-based alloys in China is substantial, with the market size projected to reach 2.35 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 14.6%. However, limited cobalt resources and high prices restrict capacity expansion, resulting in a relatively small market size [1][10] - The industry is expected to grow as domestic exploration and development of cobalt mines strengthen, ensuring raw material supply and increasing market demand [1][10] Industry Overview - Cobalt-based alloys are hard alloys that resist various types of wear, corrosion, and high-temperature oxidation, primarily composed of cobalt with significant amounts of nickel, chromium, tungsten, and trace elements like molybdenum and niobium. They can be categorized into cobalt-based superalloys, wear-resistant alloys, and magnetic alloys [3][4] - The cobalt-based alloy industry has evolved from its inception in the early 20th century to a phase of comprehensive enhancement and innovative development in the 21st century, driven by the growing demand for high-performance alloy materials in various sectors [5][6] Market Dynamics - The global cobalt reserves are unevenly distributed, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo holding 54.55% of the total reserves. In 2024, global cobalt production is expected to reach approximately 291,300 tons, marking a year-on-year increase of 22.39% [6][8] - In China, the proven cobalt resource reserves account for only about 1% of the global total, necessitating significant imports to meet domestic production needs. The country is actively exploring and developing cobalt resources while enhancing recycling technologies to reduce dependency on imports [7][8] Competitive Landscape - International companies like Precision Castparts Corporation and Kennametal dominate the high-end application sectors, particularly in aerospace and high-end machinery manufacturing. Domestic firms, such as Shanghai Zhongzhou Special Alloy Materials Co., Ltd., are also growing in market share and competitiveness [11][12] - Major Chinese companies involved in cobalt resources, such as Huayou Cobalt and Hanrui Cobalt, are extending their operations into cobalt-based alloy production, leveraging their strengths in raw material supply and technological development [11][12] Future Trends - The cobalt-based alloy industry is expected to see continuous technological innovation to enhance material performance, particularly in high-demand applications. The integration of nanotechnology and composite materials is anticipated to improve the functionality and durability of cobalt-based alloys [15][16] - The demand for cobalt-based alloys is projected to grow significantly in high-end equipment manufacturing sectors, including aerospace, gas turbines, and nuclear power, driven by domestic production acceleration and new applications in the renewable energy sector [15][16] - Green manufacturing practices are becoming increasingly important, focusing on recycling technologies and sustainable production processes to reduce reliance on primary cobalt resources and minimize environmental impact [16]