⚗️ Minor & Specialty

Cobalt Price Today

Cobalt metal and chemicals used in lithium-ion batteries, superalloys, and cutting tools.

Last updated: May 20, 2026

15.25
USD/lb
+0.99%
24h change
+0.07%
7-day change
-1.49%
30-day change
30-Day Price Trend
About Cobalt

Cobalt is a critical battery metal used in lithium-ion battery cathodes for electric vehicles and portable electronics. Supply is heavily concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Common Grades & Types
Cobalt Metal (99.8%)
Standard metal, the exchange delivery standard.
Cobalt Scrap (turnings, alloy)
Superalloy and hard metal scrap with cobalt content.
Black Mass
Processed lithium-ion battery scrap containing cobalt, lithium, nickel.
Key Applications
  • EV battery cathodes (NMC, NCA)
  • Superalloys (aircraft turbine blades)
  • Hard metals (cemented carbide)
  • Magnets (SmCo)
  • Chemical catalysts
What Drives Cobalt Prices
  • 1EV battery demand and cathode chemistry trends
  • 2DRC political and supply risk
  • 3Battery recycling supply (black mass)
  • 4NMC vs LFP battery chemistry shift (LFP uses no cobalt)
  • 5Chinese inventory levels
Frequently Asked Questions

Historical Prices
Last 30 days — USD/lb
DatePriceDaily Change
May 20, 202615.25+0.99%
May 19, 202615.10-0.20%
May 18, 202615.13-0.26%
May 17, 202615.17+0.20%
May 16, 202615.14-0.39%
May 15, 202615.20+0.07%
May 14, 202615.19-0.33%
May 13, 202615.24+1.06%
May 12, 202615.08-0.13%
May 10, 202615.10+0.33%
May 9, 202615.05-1.44%
May 8, 202615.27+0.39%
May 7, 202615.21-1.30%
May 6, 202615.41+0.52%
May 5, 202615.33+1.46%
May 4, 202615.11+0.07%
May 3, 202615.10-0.85%
May 2, 202615.23+0.40%
May 1, 202615.17-1.37%
Apr 30, 202615.38-0.19%
Apr 29, 202615.41+1.05%
Apr 28, 202615.25-1.04%
Apr 27, 202615.41
Apr 26, 202615.41+0.33%
Apr 24, 202615.36+0.07%
Apr 23, 202615.35-1.16%
Apr 22, 202615.53+0.32%
Apr 21, 202615.48
Current Price
15.25
USD/lb
24h
+0.99%
7d
+0.07%
30d
-1.49%
Trade Cobalt
Global B2B marketplace
Prices by Country

Prices are indicative and updated daily. Not for use as binding contract prices.