South Africa leads cobalt ore exports, valued at $2.77 million in 2023, followed by the Netherlands at $2.03 million and Belgium at $1.58 million. Ireland and Mexico trail with exports valued at $1.01 and $0.92 million, respectively. Other contributors include Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and Canada with smaller shares. Year-on-year analysis shows that recent trends have caused fluctuations, with certain countries experiencing modest growth. Over the last five years, the CAGR indicates a steady increase in global cobalt demand, particularly driven by the automotive and electronics sectors.
In future trends, watch for:
- Growing demand for electric vehicle batteries.
- Environmental and geopolitical factors impacting supply from key exporters.
- Technological advancements enabling increased cobalt recycling and alternative sourcing.
Top countries in Top Exporters of Cobalt Ores and Concentrates
| # | 10 Countries | Million US Dollars | Last Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 South Africa | 2.77 | 2016 | |
| 2 | 2 Netherlands | 2.03 | 2016 | |
| 3 | 3 Belgium | 1.58 | 2016 | |
| 4 | 4 Ireland | 1.01 | 2016 | |
| 5 | 5 Mexico | 0.92 | 2016 | |
| 6 | 6 Germany | 0.91 | 2016 | |
| 7 | 7 United Kingdom | 0.24 | 2016 | |
| 8 | 8 United States | 0.09 | 2016 | |
| 9 | 9 France | 0.05 | 2016 | |
| 10 | 10 Canada | 0.04 | 2016 |
