DRC Imposes Cobalt Export Quota, Driving Price Spike
What happened
The Democratic Republic of the Congo established an export quota of 96,600 metric tons for cobalt in 2026 and 2027, following a complete shutdown of exports in February 2025. The country also stipulated that any cobalt not shipped by June 30th of this year will be revoked and moved into reserve. These restrictions contributed to cobalt prices rising from approximately $21,000 per metric ton in early 2025 to over $56,000 by the start of 2026.
From energyandcapital.com
Why it matters
Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is home to about 76% of the world’s cobalt supply. The quota and export restrictions have dramatically increased the cost of cobalt, a metal crucial to the battery industry. This price spike followed a 39% drop in first-quarter cobalt output from Glencore.
The mining industry in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to operate, involving companies like Huayou Cobalt, Ivanhoe Mines, Glencore, and China's CMOC.
From energyandcapital.com
Who's involved
- DRCCountry that imposed export quotas and restrictions on cobalt.
- KinshasaCapital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, home to most of the world's cobalt supply.
- GlencoreMetals and minerals company whose first-quarter cobalt output fell 39%.
- Democratic Republic of the CongoCountry that controls the majority of the world's cobalt supply.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- GlencoreSpeculative
Glencore might see increased revenue due to the 160% spike in cobalt prices caused by supply restrictions.
- Democratic Republic of the CongoSpeculative
The Democratic Republic of the Congo may see increased national revenue from the high cobalt prices.