SMM Analysis Of China Tricobalt Tetraoxide (Co3O4) Production In May And Forecast For June

In May, China's production of tricobalt tetraoxide was 7,335 mt, down 5% MoM and up 4% YoY. The main reasons for the decrease in production are: the current market concentration is relatively high, and although major producers have moderate orders, smaller producers face obstacles in shipping, leading to a decline in production. Additionally, some tricobalt tetraoxide smelters underwent maintenance during the month, resulting in reduced output.

It is expected that in June, downstream demand will show signs of a slight recovery, with major tricobalt tetraoxide smelters operating at high capacity, and producers resuming operations after maintenance. Therefore, production is expected to increase slightly MoM to approximately 7,435 mt, up 1% MoM and down 6% YoY.