Cobalt exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo are expected to stabilise over the course of 2026 as a government imposed quota system begins to regulate supply following a period of significant market volatility, according to Glencore.
The Central African nation, which accounts for the majority of global cobalt production, introduced export controls after suspending shipments in early 2025 in response to a sustained downturn in prices. That intervention followed a fall to multi year lows, prompting authorities to reassess how the mineral is positioned within both domestic and global value chains. The subsequent introduction of export quotas in October 2025 marked a shift towards a more managed supply framework intended to support price recovery while balancing production incentives.
Since the restrictions were implemented, cobalt prices have rebounded sharply, rising to approximately 26 US dollars per pound. Market analysts attribute this increase largely to constrained supply rather than a sudden expansion in demand, underscoring the influence of policy decisions taken in Kinshasa on global battery material markets. Cobalt remains a critical component in lithium ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, linking developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo to industrial transitions across Africa, Asia, and beyond. Further context on global cobalt markets can be explored via the International Energy Agency.
Glencore, one of the largest operators in the country through assets such as Kamoto Copper Company and Mutanda Mining, indicated that its total export allocation for 2026, including volumes carried over from the previous year, stands at approximately 22,800 tonnes. However, output has declined, with first quarter production reaching around 5,800 tonnes, representing a year on year decrease of nearly forty per cent. The company has attributed this contraction partly to operational adjustments necessitated by the quota system.
Material produced beyond permitted export levels is currently being stored within the country. This approach reflects both regulatory compliance and broader efforts to manage revenue flows in a constrained trading environment. Glencore has also deferred aspects of final processing to mitigate costs while export channels remain limited. Additional insight into Glencore’s operations and disclosures is available through its official reporting portal at Glencore Investor Relations.
The Congolese authorities have extended the validity of 2025 export quotas into April 2026 to allow for administrative adjustments linked to the new system. A significant proportion of those allocations was shipped during the first quarter, with remaining volumes cleared in April. Quotas assigned in early 2026 that remain unused are expected to be valid until the end of June, providing producers with a degree of operational flexibility during the transition.
The policy direction taken by the Democratic Republic of Congo reflects a broader pattern among resource rich African states seeking to exercise greater stewardship over mineral wealth. In this context, cobalt policy is not only a matter of price stabilisation but also part of a wider conversation about beneficiation, industrial participation, and equitable value distribution across the continent. Regional institutions such as the African Development Bank have emphasised the importance of aligning extractive industries with long term development strategies.
While the quota system has introduced short term constraints, it has also highlighted the centrality of African producers in shaping global supply chains. The trajectory of cobalt exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo will continue to influence pricing dynamics and investment decisions, particularly as demand for battery materials evolves. The extent to which these policies contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic outcomes within the country remains an area of ongoing observation.
