After months of interruption, cobalt exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have resumed, but at a pace still deemed insufficient to meet global demand. Following the implementation of export quotas in mid-October, cobalt sulfate prices surged by 66% in China. This spike illustrates that while prices rose when exports were banned a year ago, they have not decreased following the lifting of the ban; instead, the situation has been complicated by the quota system that inadequately addresses market needs.

The introduction of quotas has led to a challenging implementation process, resulting in the inability of the allocated volumes for the last quarter of 2025 to be fulfilled. The export quotas assigned to each of the 21 mining companies in DRC have been perceived as insufficient, exacerbating the supply crisis. As cobalt is essential for battery production and various technologies, this situation heightens concerns among manufacturers and investors about the long-term sustainability of the cobalt supply chain.

Ultimately, the Congolese government and the mining companies must navigate the complexities of the quota system while addressing the palpable market demand. The ongoing issues in the cobalt export market not only impact prices but also signal broader implications for the global green energy transition, as the mineral plays a crucial role in the production of electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies.