In December 2025, China's cobalt chloride production amounted to 13,800 tonnes, marking a month-on-month decrease of 6.47% and a year-on-year decline of 30.83%. During December, reduced output of downstream Co3O4 led to weakened demand for cobalt chloride. Additionally, some smelters lowered their operating rates due to tight raw material supply, resulting in an overall decline in cobalt chloride production for the month.
For January 2026, China's cobalt chloride production is projected to reach 14,407 tonnes, reflecting a drop of 2.79% MoM and a decrease of 17.09% YoY. While the market remains a seasonally low-demand period in January, some production plans for Co3O4 originally scheduled for February have been advanced to January, providing partial support for cobalt chloride operating rates. As a result, cobalt chloride output in January is expected to experience only a slight decline.
Edited by Cassie Li, lixiangying@mysteel.com
