Sulfuric acid prices rose sharply through the first half of 2026 before retreating from their mid-year peak as supply conditions loosened. Weak downstream demand has contributed to the easing, though the commodity remains a critical revenue buffer for copper smelters facing squeezed processing margins. The price trajectory reflects the interplay between by-product supply dynamics and broader industrial demand.
China's 98% smelting sulfuric acid price eased over the week as spot trading weakened and recovering supply added pressure. Elevated sulfur and metal ore costs provided partial support, but the market faces further downside as lower-priced regional supplies increase competitive pressure.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobalt Hydroxide | China | FOB | USD 48,049.30/MT | August 2026 |
| Cobalt Hydroxide | India | CIF | USD 48,140.09/MT | August 2026 |
| Cobalt Hydroxide | USA | CIF | USD 48,162.18/MT | August 2026 |
| Cobalt Hydroxide | Germany | CIF | USD 48,162.89/MT | August 2026 |
| Cobalt Hydroxide | Australia | CIF | USD 48,143.97/MT | August 2026 |
| Cobalt Hydroxide | China | FOB | USD 52,227.45/MT | July 2026 |
| Cobalt Hydroxide | India | CIF | USD 52,334.25/MT | July 2026 |
| Cobalt Hydroxide | USA | CIF | USD 52,414.94/MT | July 2026 |
| Cobalt Hydroxide | Germany | CIF | USD 52,361.08/MT | July 2026 |
| Cobalt Hydroxide | Australia | CIF | USD 52,325.91/MT | July 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Cobalt Hydroxide prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In China, the average Cobalt Hydroxide price was ~USD 55,623/MT (FOB) in June. India recorded an average price of ~USD 55,711/MT (CIF) in June. Asian markets remained firm throughout Q2 2026 as limited Congolese shipments restricted feedstock availability for Chinese refiners. China entered the quarter with sharply reduced hydroxide imports after earlier export restrictions disrupted normal supply flows. The DRC remained the dominant global source, accounting for around 70% of cobalt supply, making changes in its export policy particularly influential for Asian buyers. Higher costs for sulfur-based processing chemicals and logistics added further production pressure at African mines. India followed the broader Asian market, with import dependence and freight costs maintaining firm landed values.
Europe
Germany saw an average Cobalt Hydroxide price of ~USD 55,744/MT (CIF) during June. European conditions remained firm as buyers continued facing restricted availability of Congolese material and elevated replacement costs. The DRC quota system limited global export flows, while reduced output from major producers tightened the pool of hydroxide available to international refiners. European procurement was further affected by higher freight and chemical-processing costs, particularly for material moving through African export routes. Battery-material manufacturers remained cautious because demand growth for cobalt-intensive cathode chemistries was uneven, but constrained supply prevented significant downward pressure.
North America
In the USA, the average price stood at ~USD 55,778/MT (CIF) in June. North American Cobalt Hydroxide conditions remained supported by the same global supply constraints, with limited availability increasing dependence on imported intermediates and alternative cobalt-bearing materials. Buyers increasingly considered MHP and other cobalt feedstocks as substitutes where hydroxide availability was restricted. Battery and specialty-alloy demand provided a steady consumption base, although softer NMC growth limited aggressive restocking.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Cobalt Hydroxide prices are expected to remain firm as export controls and concentrated supply provide support, while weaker NMC demand may limit further increases.
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Asia
In Asia, the cobalt hydroxide market remained under pressure, particularly in China, the main refining hub. Imports of cobalt hydrometallurgical intermediates in March 2026 dropped sharply year-on-year by ~96.7% and fell ~25.9% month-on-month, with total volumes just over 1,690 tons, equivalent to 507 tons of cobalt content at 30% grade. The delayed shipments and administrative export controls from the DRC kept spot availability restricted, and Chinese refiners managed operations with lower inventories. The constrained supply maintained firm market interest, despite cautious purchasing by downstream processors.
Europe
European cobalt hydroxide markets faced similar supply-driven pressures. The DRC accounted for more than ~70% of global mined cobalt, so restricted exports directly affected refined cobalt flows into European refining centers. Inventory levels remained low, and downstream demand from battery manufacturers did not fully offset supply constraints. Logistics and energy costs rose due to geopolitical tensions and shipping disruptions, keeping operational and procurement challenges elevated.
North America
North American markets were influenced by constrained inbound shipments and inventory management. EV battery demand was moderate, with global sales in Q1’26 totaling ~4.0 million units, down ~3% from the prior year, while March sales reached ~1.75 million units. These figures show that supply tightness, not downstream demand, was the main driver of market conditions in the region. Producers focused on optimizing limited stocks and managing production schedules amid upstream uncertainty.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Cobalt hydroxide markets may firm in the near term if DRC export controls continue to slow shipments. Any normalization in export approvals could ease supply pressure later.
Cobalt hydroxide is an inorganic cobalt compound widely used as an intermediate material in the production of lithium-ion battery cathodes. It is typically obtained from cobalt-bearing ores and concentrates through hydrometallurgical refining processes. The material serves as a key precursor for cobalt sulfate and battery-grade cathode materials used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Growing battery demand has significantly increased the strategic importance of cobalt hydroxide in global supply chains.
Co(OH)2
CMOC Group, Glencore, Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), Huayou Cobalt, Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co.Ltd., Jinchuan Group
Cobalt(II) Hydroxide, Cobalt Dihydroxide, Cobaltous Hydroxide, Cobalt Hydroxide Cake, Battery-Grade Cobalt Hydroxide, Co(OH)2
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Cobalt hydroxide is produced through hydrometallurgical processing of cobalt-containing ores or intermediate materials. Following leaching and impurity removal, cobalt-rich solutions are treated with alkaline reagents such as sodium hydroxide or lime, causing cobalt hydroxide to precipitate. The precipitated material is filtered, washed, dried, and refined to achieve the desired purity. Battery-grade cobalt hydroxide undergoes additional purification to meet stringent specifications required for cathode precursor manufacturing.
Cobalt hydroxide is primarily utilized in the manufacture of lithium-ion battery cathodes, particularly for nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) and nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) battery chemistries. It is also used in cobalt sulfate production, catalysts, pigments, ceramics, specialty chemicals, and metal finishing applications. The rapid expansion of electric vehicle production and energy storage installations has made battery manufacturing the largest end-use sector for cobalt hydroxide globally.
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