China's imports of unwrought cobalt rose 66% month-on-month in June 2026

Published: Jul 20, 2026 17:49

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China imported about 1,120 tons of unwrought cobalt in June 2026, rising 66% month-on-month and 105% year-on-year.

By source country for electrolytic cobalt imports in June, the top three suppliers were Indonesia, Russia and Madagascar, with import volumes of 476 tons, 293 tons and 148 tons respectively.

Despite a sharp drop in domestic electrolytic cobalt prices in June and a fully closed import-export arbitrage window, weak overseas demand for electrolytic cobalt prompted some foreign traders to ship material to China, driving a notable jump in import volumes.

The average import price of unwrought cobalt hit USD 52,228 per ton in June 2026, down 4.27% month-on-month.

Cumulative imports from January to June 2026 totalled 7,709 tons, climbing 118% year-on-year.

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