[SMM Analysis] Cobalt Chloride: Supply-Demand Stalemate Persisted, Significant Price Divergence

The cobalt chloride market this week continued the trend from last week, with bulls and bears remaining locked in a tug-of-war and the stalemate showing no signs of easing. Supply side, top-tier enterprises maintained a firm stance on holding prices firm, with mainstream quotations staying above 116,000 yuan/mt and price support remaining relatively solid; meanwhile, small and medium-sized enterprises, driven by capital turnover and shipments considerations, generally lowered their quotations to 114,000-115,000 yuan/mt, though actual shipments remained limited. Demand side, downstream purchasing sentiment remained conservative. Although market inquiry activity was relatively high, transactions had yet to see any substantive rebound. Affected by overall weak downstream demand, Co3O4 enterprises maintained a cautious attitude toward raw material cobalt chloride procurement, with restocking primarily consisting of small, scattered orders. Overall, the current market lacked direct drivers to push prices toward a directional breakthrough.

SMM New Energy Research Team

Wang Cong 021-51666838

Ma Rui 021-51595780

Feng Disheng 021-51666714

Lv Yanlin 021-20707875

Zhou Zhicheng 021-51666711