Cobalt products trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in cobalt products was worth $5.64 billion in 2024, about 738.8 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 4% since 2017, and up 5% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5.64B | 738.8K t |
| 2023 | $5.36B | 499.6K t |
| 2022 | $9.97B | 460.1K t |
| 2021 | $7.81B | 413.1K t |
| 2020 | $4.94B | 407.2K t |
| 2019 | $5.01B | 425.2K t |
| 2018 | $7.94B | 312.8K t |
| 2017 | $5.42B | 306.8K t |
Top cobalt products exporting countries
Exports are led by the DR Congo (54%), the United States (7%) and Canada (5%). 90 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 67%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $3.05B | 54% |
| United States | $422.7M | 7.5% |
| Canada | $283.8M | 5% |
| China | $209.0M | 3.7% |
| United Kingdom | $201.5M | 3.6% |
| Japan | $156.5M | 2.8% |
| Norway | $151.0M | 2.7% |
| Germany | $139.6M | 2.5% |
| Finland | $117.2M | 2.1% |
| Australia | $104.4M | 1.9% |
| Madagascar | $89.6M | 1.6% |
| Belgium | $87.0M | 1.5% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 58% of world imports, ahead of the United States and Japan. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 69% across 144 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.29B | 58% |
| United States | $430.0M | 7.6% |
| Japan | $183.0M | 3.2% |
| Netherlands | $170.0M | 3% |
| Germany | $163.9M | 2.9% |
| United Kingdom | $154.9M | 2.8% |
| Taiwan | $131.8M | 2.3% |
| Belgium | $127.8M | 2.3% |
| France | $113.2M | 2% |
| Malaysia | $93.9M | 1.7% |
| South Korea | $93.8M | 1.7% |
| India | $85.6M | 1.5% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $7.64 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United Kingdom averaged $54.11 per kg and the DR Congo $4.80 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 8105: Cobalt; mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, cobalt and articles thereof, including waste and scrap. HS 8105 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most cobalt products?
The DR Congo exported $3.05 billion in 2024, 54% of the world total, followed by the United States (7%) and Canada (5%). In all, 90 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most cobalt products?
China imported $3.29 billion in 2024, 58% of world imports, ahead of the United States (8%) and Japan (3%). The top three importers together take 69%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in cobalt products?
It was worth $5.64 billion in 2024, about 738.8 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 4% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $9.97 billion. 90 countries reported exports and 144 reported imports.
What is the average price of cobalt products per kg?
The world average declared value was about $7.64 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United Kingdom averaged $54.11 per kg and the DR Congo $4.80 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for cobalt products?
The HS code for cobalt products is heading 8105, in chapter 81 (metals; n.e.c., cermets and articles thereof). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 8105 page.
How can I find cobalt products buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.