Imports of cobalt raw materials shrink in Apr

SHANGHAI, Jul 1 (SMM) – China's imports of cobalt raw materials amounted to 4,800 mt in April, down 19.7% from March and down 13.7% from April of 2018, showed the latest customs data. 

Among the total imports, cobalt ore accounted for 795 mt in Co content, based on a Co grade of 8%, up 363% on the month but down 22% on the year. 

Imports of unwrought cobalt intermediate that was produced through hydrometallurgical processes decreased by 33% on the month and by 12% on the year, to stand at 3,837 mt in Co content, based on a grade of 27%. 

Import prices of hydrometallurgical cobalt intermediate products averaged $28,040/mt in Co content in April, down an average 0.1% on the month and down 59% on the year.