Hydroxide standoff and broad decline: Q3 2026 Cobalt Price Review Increased DRC exports led to cobalt hydroxide prices (CIF Asia) falling 31% to across Q3 to $17.25/lb ($38,030/ton
Cobalt hydroxide prices (CIF Asia) fell 31% across Q3 2026 to $17.25/lb ($38,030/tonne), while cobalt sulphate prices (EXW China) dropped nearly 30% to RMB 58,000/tonne, according to Benchmark's Cobalt Price Assessment. Increased DRC exports drove the decline, with DRC hydroxide imports into China exceeding 10,000 tonnes in June compared with roughly 2,000 tonnes in May. The hydroxide trade stalled in August, as no trades were confirmed in the ten days to 26 August and sellers were unwilling to transact below $20.00/lb.
Why it matters: The quarter's price falls show how DRC export volumes and Chinese downstream buying set terms across the critical minerals supply chain, leaving DRC customs processes and quota implementation as the swing factor for Q4 inflows.