Global Cobalt Market to Reach 301.0 Thousand Tons by 2030
The global market for Cobalt estimated at 169.8 Thousand Tons in the year 2023, is expected to reach 301.0 Thousand Tons by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% over the analysis period 2023-2030. Batteries, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 9.1% CAGR and reach 106.7 Thousand Tons by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Alloys segment is estimated at 10.1% CAGR over the analysis period.
The U.S. Market is Estimated at 44.4 Thousand Tons While China is Forecast to Grow at 12.6% CAGR
The Cobalt market in the U.S. is estimated at 44.4 Thousand Tons in the year 2023. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of 76.1 Thousand Tons by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 12.6% over the analysis period 2023-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% and 7.7% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 5.3% CAGR.
Cobalt - Key Trends and Drivers
Cobalt is a hard, lustrous, grey metal with magnetic properties that is primarily used in the production of high-strength alloys, magnets, and rechargeable batteries. It is a critical component in lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from electric vehicles (EVs) to portable electronic devices. Cobalt also plays a significant role in aerospace and military applications due to its ability to retain strength at high temperatures. Additionally, cobalt-based pigments and catalysts are used in various industrial and artistic applications, adding to its diverse utility.
One of the major growth drivers for cobalt is the surge in demand for electric vehicles. As countries and companies commit to reducing carbon emissions, the shift towards EVs is accelerating, significantly boosting the demand for lithium-ion batteries in which cobalt is a key material. Furthermore, technological advancements that increase the efficiency and energy density of these batteries are likely to further enhance cobalt`s role in the global battery market. A key challenge facing the industry is the shift is the development and adoption of low-cobalt battery technologies.
The importance of cobalt extends beyond the EV market; it is also considered vital for national defense and other industrial applications in the US and EU. This broad utility underscores the potential for continued investments in the cobalt supply chain, ranging from exploration and mining to processing and recycling, ensuring a sustainable and ethically responsible supply of cobalt in the future. A key strend influencing the cobalt market is the ethical sourcing and sustainability of cobalt mining. Cobalt mining at various mining zone, has been associated with significant human rights and environmental concerns. This has led to increased scrutiny and a push towards more ethical sourcing practices. Companies are being compelled to establish transparent supply chains and are exploring recycling technologies to recover cobalt from used batteries, which not only addresses ethical concerns but also helps in managing supply security amid growing demand. This shift is expected to influence market dynamics significantly, as stakeholders across the supply chain implement more sustainable and responsible mining practices.
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