[SMM Analysis] China's imports of cobalt hydrometallurgy intermediate products surged 324% MoM in June 2026

Published: Jul 20, 2026 16:59

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In June 2026, China's imports of cobalt hydrometallurgy intermediate products were approximately 10,961 mt in physical content, up 324% MoM and down 42% YoY, of which imports from the DRC were approximately 10,815 mt in physical content, up 423% MoM and down 43% YoY.

In June 2026, China's imports of cobalt hydrometallurgy intermediate products stood at approximately 10,961 mt in physical content, up 324% MoM but down 42% YoY. Imports from DRC reached about 10,815 mt in physical content (up 423% MoM, down 43% YoY). The average import price of cobalt hydrometallurgy intermediate products in June 2026 was $16,352/mt in physical content, down 1.54% MoM. By trade mode, Entrepot Trade by Customs Special Control Area accounted for 69% of imports (approx. 7,561 mt) entering Zhejiang and Guangdong, Ordinary Trade for 26% (approx. 2,849 mt), and Processing Trade with Imported Materials for 5% (approx. 550 mt).

SMM New Energy Research Team

Wang Cong 021-51666838

Ma Rui 021-51595780

Feng Disheng 021-51666714

Lü Yanlin 021-20707875

Xiao Wenhao 021-51666872

Zhang Haohan 021-51666752

Wang Zihan 021-51666914

Wang Jie 021-51595902

Xu Yang 021-51666760

Yang Lianting 021-51595835

Wang Zhaoyu 021-51666827

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