Last week, cobalt intermediates prices continued their upward trend. Both domestic and international miners and traders held limited spot inventories, leading to cautious selling and tight market availability. High-price offers exceeded $25 per pound, far surpassing downstream product prices. As a result, transactions were poor. Manufacturers are still seeking low-cost supplies or alternative raw material supplements.On the supply side, two key developments unfolded. Firstly, as part of the export quota system pilot testing program, Glencore began truckload shipments starting on December 8, marking new progress in the approval process. Moreover, cobalt miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo will be allowed to retain this year's allocated export quota of 18,125 tonnes due to delays in implementing new procedures causing shipping hold-ups. Permitted shipments may extend into 2026. Industry participants worry that if next year sees concentrated shipments arriving in large volumes.