Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report indicates that the new quota management system in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will significantly restrict global cobalt supply, leading to a projected supply decrease to 200,000 tons by 2025, with further increases to 214,000 tons in 2026 and 216,000 tons in 2027 [1][2] - Global cobalt consumption is expected to maintain a steady growth rate, with projections of 221,000 tons in 2026 and 231,000 tons in 2027, indicating a rigid supply shortage for cobalt [1][2] - The DRC's new quota system has replaced the previous export ban, with annual export volumes expected to be less than 100,000 tons, including a base quota of 87,000 tons and a strategic quota of 9,600 tons [2] Group 2 - The inventory of cobalt products is continuously being consumed across the entire supply chain, with significant reductions in cobalt intermediate stocks in China, dropping from 45,000 tons in May to 17,000 tons currently, resulting in a total reduction of 32,000 tons over five months [2] - Cobalt product prices have experienced a significant increase, with the average CIF price for cobalt intermediates in China rising from $5.95 per pound to $24.15 per pound, marking a 306% increase [3] - The U.S. Department of Defense is set to restart a $500 million cobalt procurement tender, marking the first large-scale cobalt purchase by the U.S. since the end of the Cold War, with the announcement expected in early February 2026 [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has implemented a new quota management system for cobalt exports, setting annual export limits for 2026 and 2027 at 96,600 tons each, primarily allocated to companies like Luoyang Molybdenum and Glencore, while local smelters receive no direct quotas [1][2]. Group 1: Cobalt Quota and Supply - The new quota system replaces the previous cobalt export ban, with 87,000 tons designated as basic quotas and 9,600 tons as ARECOMS strategic quotas [2]. - The global cobalt raw material supply is expected to decrease significantly, with projections indicating a supply of only 200,000 tons by 2025, while global cobalt consumption is anticipated to reach 221,000 tons and 231,000 tons in 2026 and 2027, respectively, indicating a rigid shortage [3]. Group 2: Inventory and Price Dynamics - The inventory of cobalt products is continuously depleting, with China's cobalt chloride inventory days dropping from 46 days in April to 39 days currently, and the inventory of intermediate products at downstream smelters decreasing from 45,000 tons to 17,000 tons over five months [4]. - Cobalt product prices are currently inverted, with the average CIF price for cobalt intermediates in China rising from $5.95 per pound to $24.15 per pound, a 306% increase, indicating potential for further price adjustments as raw material inventories are consumed [5]. Group 3: Strategic Developments - The U.S. Department of Defense plans to restart a $500 million cobalt procurement tender, marking the first large-scale cobalt purchase by the U.S. since the Cold War, with awards expected in early February 2026 [6].

Core Viewpoint - The cobalt supply chain is undergoing significant changes due to the lifting of the export ban by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the implementation of an export quota system, which is expected to lead to a substantial increase in cobalt prices in the coming years [2][4][10]. Export Ban and Quota Management - The DRC announced that the cobalt export ban, which lasted for nearly eight months, will be lifted on October 16, with an annual export quota management system introduced [2][3]. - The export cap for the remainder of 2025 is set at 18,125 tons, with future quotas for 2026 and 2027 being significantly lower than the country's production capacity [3][4]. - The quota system is based on the export performance of companies in 2022, 2023, and 2024, with penalties for non-compliance [3][4][7]. Price Impact and Market Dynamics - The lifting of the export ban and the introduction of quotas are expected to tighten global cobalt supply, leading to a projected shortage of 122,000 tons, 88,000 tons, and 97,000 tons in 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively [2][10]. - Cobalt prices have already doubled this year, with the latest price for electrolytic cobalt in China reaching 349,500 yuan per ton [9]. - Analysts predict that the combination of supply constraints and rising demand from sectors like electric vehicles and consumer electronics will further drive up cobalt prices, potentially exceeding 400,000 yuan per ton [9][10]. Strategic Implications for Companies - Major cobalt producers like Luoyang Molybdenum and Glencore are set to receive significant export quotas, but these may still fall short of their production capacities [10]. - The DRC government aims to control global cobalt prices through flexible supply adjustments, which could benefit companies with operations in Indonesia and those holding mining rights in the DRC [10].