The DRC has suspended cobalt exports for four months to control the surplus in the international market. The measure took effect on February 22. On February 21, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Mines signed an order allowing regulators to introduce temporary measures, including export bans, "in cases affecting market stability." The export ban applies to all producers but does not restrict cobalt production and does not affect copper exports. The decision will be reviewed in three months. Meanwhile, regulators are also preparing other measures to balance the cobalt market.