SMM Analysis: Cobalt Intermediate Product Prices Climb Amid Supply Contraction Expectations

[SMM Analysis: Spot Quotes at Major Ports Rise, Cobalt Intermediate Product Prices Continue to Climb This Week] This week, cobalt intermediate product prices continued their upward trend.

Supply side, logistics from South Africa to Chinese ports remain normal, but the supply contraction expectations triggered by the DRC's suspension of cobalt exports continue to intensify. Producers generally adopt a strategy of stockpiling and holding back sales, leading to scarce market circulation of goods.

Demand side, downstream salt producers have a low long-term contract coverage rate, resulting in rigid restocking demand. Active inquiries and purchases, along with sporadic high-priced spot orders, have driven spot prices upward.

Next week, the short-term supply-demand imbalance is expected to persist, and cobalt intermediate product prices may remain on an upward trajectory.