Kinshasa, July 22nd, 2026 (CPA). – The price of a metric ton of cobalt, a key mining export of Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), rose slightly by 0.01% on international markets, trading at $55,628.00 as of July 20th, compared to $55,618.00 the previous week, according to market reports reviewed by the CPA on Wednesday.
“The price per metric ton of cobalt rose slightly by 0.01% on international markets during the period from July 20th to 25th, 2026, trading at USD 55,628.00 during the week under review, compared to USD 55,618.00 the previous week,” according to the Foreign Trade price reports.
Compared to previous weeks, cobalt prices have been steadily rising, moving toward their 2018 level—when they approached $98,000 per metric ton—since trading resumed after a suspension of more than six months.
The price of a metric ton of cobalt rose by 0.005% during the week of June 29th, to July 4th, 2026, trading at $55,606.00 compared to $55,603.20 the previous week.
The price per metric ton of cobalt rose slightly by 0.012% on international markets during the period from July 6th to 11th, 2026, trading at $55,613.00 during the week under review, compared to $55,606.00 the previous week.
During the week of June 22nd–27th, 2026, the price of cobalt per metric ton rose slightly by 0.002% on international markets, trading at 55,603.20 USD during the week under review, compared to 55,602.00 USD the previous week. Currently, this mineral is included on the list of minerals covered by the cooperation agreement between DRC and the United States.
Price increases, decreases, and stability in commercial minerals, agricultural products, and minor forest products are driven by supply and demand on international markets as well as by the supply chain.
These fluctuations have a direct impact on the Congolese economy, which is heavily dependent on raw material exports, particularly in the mining sector. Cobalt is mined primarily in Lualaba Province, in the southeast of the country, around the city of Kolwezi, as well as in Haut-Katanga Province.
Lualaba accounts for approximately 80% of the country’s cobalt production, making DRC the world’s leading producer.ACP/