News Release: July 23, 2025
Cobalt (II) Sulphate Price, Production, Latest News and Developments in 2025
Cobalt (II) Sulphate price trend and production News
Cobalt (II) Sulphate Price Trend in Past Five Years and Factors Impacting Price Movements
Over the past five years, the global Cobalt (II) Sulphate price trend has seen significant fluctuations, influenced by demand-supply imbalances, mining constraints, and the evolving electric vehicle (EV) sector. In 2020, the average Cobalt (II) Sulphate price was around $5,400/MT, heavily impacted by COVID-19 disruptions, reduced industrial activity, and delays in mining operations, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the leading producer of cobalt.
In 2021, prices rebounded as industrial activities resumed. Global Cobalt (II) Sulphate sales volume increased by over 15% year-over-year, supported by growing investments in battery manufacturing, especially in China and Europe. Average prices climbed to $6,800/MT in Q4 2021. The surge was largely driven by heightened demand from the lithium-ion battery segment used in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems.
By 2022, the market experienced strong price volatility due to geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war, which disrupted global supply chains. The average Cobalt (II) Sulphate price peaked at $7,900/MT in Q2 2022. However, the latter half of 2022 saw a price correction, reaching approximately $7,000/MT by the end of the year, influenced by stockpiling behavior, reduced Chinese demand due to lockdowns, and growing recycling activity.
In 2023, prices saw a moderate recovery. The Cobalt (II) Sulphate production output increased in Indonesia and Australia, contributing to supply-side stability. Prices hovered around $6,500–$7,100/MT throughout the year. The demand from battery manufacturers remained strong, but improvements in supply chain logistics helped ease price pressures.
Entering 2024, a new wave of EV policies, especially in North America under the Inflation Reduction Act, created renewed interest in cobalt-based batteries. Prices saw another uplift, reaching around $7,300/MT in Q2 2024. However, new extraction technologies and recycling investments started stabilizing the market. The Cobalt (II) Sulphate price trend began to align with mid-term sustainability targets, with major players adapting to environmentally friendly processing.
As of early 2025, the average global price of Cobalt (II) Sulphate is reported at $7,600/MT, showing a firm yet moderate increase, with clear signals of stabilization. Several factors have contributed to this trajectory: consistent EV growth, controlled mining capacity expansion, rising recycling rates, and policy-driven strategic stockpiling by governments.
The main influencers over the past five years have been energy storage technology advancements, cobalt resource nationalism, labor and environmental regulations, and increasing investments in the cobalt supply chain. Looking ahead in 2025, supply expansion projects in Africa and regulatory frameworks in the EU and US are expected to play critical roles in determining the next phase of Cobalt (II) Sulphate price trend.
Cobalt (II) Sulphate Price Trend Quarterly Update in $/MT (2025 Estimates)
- Q1 2025: $7,400/MT
- Q2 2025: $7,600/MT
- Q3 2025 (Estimated): $7,850/MT
- Q4 2025 (Projected): $8,000/MT
Quarterly price movements in 2025 are being shaped by consistent downstream demand from the electric vehicle battery segment, gradual increases in Cobalt (II) Sulphate production, and global trade adjustments due to tariff regulations and green energy mandates.
Global Cobalt (II) Sulphate Import-Export Business Overview
The global Cobalt (II) Sulphate trade landscape in 2025 reflects a growing reliance on this compound as a critical component in lithium-ion batteries. With the energy storage and electric mobility sectors expanding rapidly, cross-border trade in Cobalt (II) Sulphate has intensified, involving strategic collaborations, long-term contracts, and evolving regional dynamics.
China continues to dominate both the import and processing sectors. In 2025, it remains the largest importer of Cobalt (II) Sulphate, sourcing raw cobalt primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and converting it into refined Cobalt (II) Sulphate for downstream use. The Cobalt (II) Sulphate sales volume from China to global battery makers has reached record highs, fueled by aggressive EV production targets and significant investments in gigafactories across Asia.
On the export side, Chinese producers such as GEM Co., Huayou Cobalt, and CNGR are leading exporters, supplying refined Cobalt (II) Sulphate to South Korea, Japan, Europe, and the United States. South Korea and Japan are major re-exporters of battery materials, further refining or incorporating Cobalt (II) Sulphate into cell manufacturing units.
The European Union, in line with its Critical Raw Materials Act, has diversified its import partners, signing strategic deals with nations like Indonesia and Australia. In 2025, European Cobalt (II) Sulphate importers are increasingly focusing on ethical and traceable supply chains, giving rise to blockchain tracking mechanisms in Cobalt (II) Sulphate production and trade.
Indonesia is rapidly emerging as a global Cobalt (II) Sulphate production hub. Investments in nickel-cobalt projects and battery precursor manufacturing in Sulawesi and Halmahera have significantly increased the country’s export capacity. Cobalt (II) Sulphate price news has shown stability in the region due to long-term offtake agreements with South Korean and Chinese battery manufacturers.
Africa, specifically the DRC, remains the world’s dominant source of cobalt ore. However, instead of exporting refined sulphate, the region primarily exports cobalt hydroxide, which is later refined into Cobalt (II) Sulphate by Asian processors. Despite resource richness, infrastructure limitations and socio-political challenges constrain Africa’s direct participation in Cobalt (II) Sulphate sales volume.
In North America, the United States has ramped up its efforts to secure domestic and regional Cobalt (II) Sulphate supply. Under the 2025 strategic battery mineral program, investments in domestic refining capabilities and partnerships with Canada and Australia have increased. US-based refineries are now contributing significantly to Cobalt (II) Sulphate production, reducing dependence on Chinese imports.
Latin American countries like Brazil and Chile are exploring value-addition of cobalt extracted as a by-product from their copper and nickel industries. The region’s participation in Cobalt (II) Sulphate export is in its early stages but gaining momentum through foreign partnerships and technology transfers.
Trade policies are significantly influencing market flows. Export taxes on unprocessed cobalt in African countries, import duties in Western economies, and environmental levies in the EU are reshaping global trade dynamics. Companies are adjusting their logistics and processing strategies to remain competitive in this evolving regulatory environment.
In terms of trade volume, the global import-export of Cobalt (II) Sulphate is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2025 and 2030. The year 2025 alone has already recorded a 9% increase in Cobalt (II) Sulphate sales volume compared to 2024, as per industry insiders.
The logistics surrounding the import and export of Cobalt (II) Sulphate are also witnessing modernization. Advanced storage facilities, real-time tracking of shipments, and digitized customs processes are enhancing efficiency and reducing delivery timelines. This has been vital for companies looking to optimize costs in light of fluctuating Cobalt (II) Sulphate price trend developments.
As the world progresses towards cleaner energy and sustainable mobility, global trade in Cobalt (II) Sulphate is becoming not just a commercial necessity but a geopolitical concern. Nations are rapidly securing resources, forming trade alliances, and deploying infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted supply chains. The Cobalt (II) Sulphate news in 2025 is increasingly tied to energy policy, trade regulations, and technological innovation.
Looking forward, the global Cobalt (II) Sulphate market is poised for further growth with expanding downstream applications and more balanced global supply sources. Industry watchers are keenly observing how new projects, especially in the Americas and Africa, could reshape the global trade flow in the next five years.
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https://datavagyanik.com/reports/cobalt-ii-sulphate-market-size-production-sales-average-product-price-market-share-import-vs-export/
Cobalt (II) Sulphate Production Trends by Geography
The production of Cobalt (II) Sulphate has seen considerable geographic shifts over the last few years, primarily influenced by demand from the electric vehicle (EV) and battery industries. In 2025, the global production landscape is led by key regions such as China, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Indonesia, Australia, and Canada, each playing a unique role in the value chain. These regions vary in their access to raw cobalt, refining capacity, regulatory support, and technological infrastructure.
China remains the largest global producer of Cobalt (II) Sulphate due to its robust refining capacity, integrated supply chain, and dominance in the battery manufacturing ecosystem. While the country imports the majority of its cobalt raw material in the form of cobalt hydroxide or intermediate compounds, it leads the conversion to battery-grade Cobalt (II) Sulphate. Chinese producers benefit from large-scale processing plants, government subsidies, and long-term raw material procurement agreements with African and Indonesian miners. The nation’s focus on green mobility and renewable storage infrastructure continues to drive domestic production to meet internal and export-oriented demand.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the world’s primary source of cobalt ore, accounting for over 65% of the total mined cobalt globally. While most of its cobalt is exported in intermediate form, efforts are underway to scale domestic refining capabilities. However, limited industrial infrastructure, political instability, and environmental concerns still hinder the country’s potential to emerge as a direct producer of refined Cobalt (II) Sulphate. Despite this, the DRC remains central to the global supply chain, with a growing number of foreign partnerships focused on enhancing in-country processing capabilities by 2030.
Indonesia has rapidly emerged as a key player in the Cobalt (II) Sulphate production landscape, largely due to its booming nickel industry. Cobalt is often extracted as a by-product of nickel mining in the country. Investments from Chinese and South Korean firms have resulted in the construction of integrated battery material parks, particularly in Sulawesi. These facilities are equipped to produce large volumes of battery-grade Cobalt (II) Sulphate, contributing significantly to Southeast Asia’s share in global supply. The country’s clear regulatory framework and resource availability are major advantages.
Australia is also expanding its footprint in the Cobalt (II) Sulphate sector. With vast reserves of cobalt and a strong mining infrastructure, Australia is actively working towards developing refining capabilities within its borders. Environmental and social governance (ESG) concerns and a focus on ethical sourcing are prompting battery manufacturers in the EU and North America to seek Australian cobalt products. Projects in Western Australia are increasingly aimed at creating vertically integrated facilities that can extract and refine cobalt to sulphate form.
Canada is another significant geography, particularly from a strategic supply and ESG compliance standpoint. With growing support from the Canadian government and private sector investment, several new cobalt processing projects have been launched in Ontario and Quebec. These facilities are being designed to support North America’s EV transition and to reduce reliance on overseas supply chains. Canada is expected to contribute meaningfully to Cobalt (II) Sulphate production in the next five years.
Europe currently has limited primary cobalt resources, but production of Cobalt (II) Sulphate is being enabled through recycling initiatives and imports of intermediate cobalt materials for refining. Countries like Finland and Belgium are home to high-purity cobalt refineries, and with the EU’s focus on supply chain resilience, investments in these areas are increasing. Cobalt recycling from spent batteries also contributes to Europe’s growing refining output.
Overall, Cobalt (II) Sulphate production is becoming more globally diversified, moving from a heavily China-centric structure to a more distributed framework involving Southeast Asia, Oceania, and North America. This geographic shift is driven by the need for supply security, ethical sourcing, and environmental sustainability. With global EV targets intensifying, refining and production capacities are expected to expand further across multiple geographies in the coming years.
Cobalt (II) Sulphate Market Segmentation
Major Market Segments:
- By Application
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries
- Energy Storage Systems
- Catalysts and Driers
- Pigments and Ceramics
- Electroplating and Surface Treatment
- By End-Use Industry
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Chemical
- Aerospace
- Industrial Manufacturing
- By Grade
- Battery Grade
- Technical Grade
- By Region
- Asia-Pacific
- North America
- Europe
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
Explanation of Leading Segments
Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries – By Application Segment
The EV battery segment remains the largest and fastest-growing consumer of Cobalt (II) Sulphate in 2025. Cobalt is a critical component in the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries, especially NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) chemistries used widely in EVs. The rising adoption of EVs in China, the US, and Europe has caused a surge in demand for battery-grade Cobalt (II) Sulphate. With global EV sales expected to surpass 18 million units in 2025, this segment alone accounts for over 65% of total Cobalt (II) Sulphate consumption. Manufacturers are securing long-term supply contracts to ensure stable procurement and mitigate risks related to price fluctuations.
Energy Storage Systems
This segment has seen steady growth due to increased deployment of renewable energy sources. Cobalt-based lithium-ion batteries are also used in grid storage and commercial energy backup systems. The demand from this sector is projected to grow at a double-digit rate as utility companies integrate more solar and wind into the grid, necessitating reliable energy storage. These systems typically require high-performance battery chemistries, reinforcing the demand for pure Cobalt (II) Sulphate.
Automotive Industry – By End-Use
Beyond just EVs, the broader automotive industry is a major driver of Cobalt (II) Sulphate demand, including applications in hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Tier 1 battery suppliers and OEMs are investing in in-house battery production units, further deepening cobalt’s role in the automotive value chain. The increasing focus on sustainability has led companies to prioritize cobalt sourced from ethical and traceable supply chains, adding complexity but also encouraging innovation in production and recycling.
Battery Grade – By Grade Segment
Battery-grade Cobalt (II) Sulphate is refined to meet strict purity and performance requirements. This segment dominates the market by volume and value. In 2025, the battery-grade segment is estimated to hold over 75% of the total market share. Stringent quality parameters, particularly from automakers and electronics manufacturers, make this a high-margin segment. Countries like China, Finland, and Canada are key producers due to their advanced refining technologies.
Asia-Pacific – By Region
Asia-Pacific remains the global hub for Cobalt (II) Sulphate consumption and production. China, Japan, and South Korea together represent more than 70% of global demand. The region is home to the world’s largest battery manufacturing facilities, driving high volumes of raw material usage. Policy support, cost-effective refining, and a large EV market make Asia-Pacific the leading region by market share.
North America and Europe
In North America, growing investments in gigafactories and a strong push toward domestic battery supply chains are spurring Cobalt (II) Sulphate demand. Meanwhile, Europe’s sustainability goals and green mobility initiatives are fostering consumption growth, supported by imports and battery recycling. These regions are also emphasizing ethical sourcing, prompting a shift toward refined products from environmentally regulated producers.