Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2026-02-12 01:45Core Viewpoint - The cobalt industry is rated "positive" by Dongfang Securities, with 2025 marking a significant policy turning point due to the implementation of the quota system in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which will shift market perception from oversupply to absolute shortage by 2026 [1] Supply Dynamics - The DRC, accounting for 76% of global cobalt production, will have an annual export quota of 96,600 metric tons for 2026-2027, a 55% reduction from 2024 levels, leading to a significant contraction in global cobalt supply elasticity [1] - The structural supply-demand gap for cobalt is projected to reach 91,000 metric tons in 2026 and 112,000 metric tons in 2027, indicating a shortage exceeding 20% [1] Demand Drivers - Cobalt demand is primarily driven by batteries, which account for 73% of total demand, with the electric vehicle sector (43%) being the core growth source, expecting a 19% year-on-year increase in cobalt demand in the global new energy vehicle sector in 2024 [2] - The consumer electronics sector is also recovering, with cobalt demand projected to reach 70,000 metric tons in 2024, and a CAGR of approximately 5% over the next three years [2] - Long-term growth in cobalt demand is supported by solid-state battery technology and the sustained high proportion of overseas ternary battery installations, with total global cobalt demand expected to rise from 189,000 metric tons in 2022 to 325,000 metric tons by 2028 [2] Pricing Mechanism - The pricing mechanism for cobalt is shifting from "high-cost incremental supply + low-cost clearing" to "policy-induced supply gaps + increased supply security premiums," benefiting leading companies like Luoyang Molybdenum (40% global share) and Huayou Cobalt, which possess resource endowments and integrated capabilities [3] Investment Recommendations - In the short term, cobalt prices are expected to remain high due to supply shortages caused by long shipping times before Q2 2026 [4] - In the long term, the DRC's quota system will drive global cobalt pricing power, with price fluctuations influenced more by geopolitical factors than by pure supply-demand balance [4] - Relevant investment targets include Huayou Cobalt (603799.SH), Luoyang Molybdenum (603993.SH), Tengyuan Cobalt (301219.SZ), and Greeenme (002340.SZ) [4]