Unstable Political Situation In Congo to Axe China Cobalt Intermediate Products Imports

Due to the general elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the unstable political situation in the country may affect the local land transportation of cobalt intermediates to South African ports.

Considering that cobalt salt enterprises still have a certain inventory of intermediate products, SMM expects that the arrivals of cobalt intermediate products in March may decrease from the previous month.

From January to February 2023, imports of cobalt-based raw materials rose 5% year on year. This is likely due to arriving shipments of cobalt intermediate products were booked last year.