U.S. Imports For Consumption And Exports Of Cobalt, By Form

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of cobalt imported into and exported from the United States, categorized by various chemical forms such as metal, oxides and hydroxides, acetates, carbonates, chlorides, and sulfates. Tracking these figures is crucial for understanding the supply chain dynamics of cobalt, a critical metal widely used in batteries, aerospace, and industrial catalysts. The data informs policymakers and industry stakeholders about the U.S. market’s reliance on foreign sources, the demand for different cobalt compounds, and trade balances, all of which have significant economic and strategic implications given cobalt’s role in emerging technologies and clean energy applications.

Analyzing the data from 2022 to 2023 reveals several notable trends. U.S. imports for consumption decreased from 16,000 metric tons gross weight in 2022 to 11,800 metric tons in 2023, with cobalt content dropping from 10,500 to 9,500 metric tons. The import value also declined sharply from $597 million to $357 million. The largest import category, cobalt metal, increased in gross weight from 7,200 to 7,670 metric tons but saw a substantial value decrease from $458 million to $293 million, indicating possible price changes or shifts in market demand. Imports of oxides and hydroxides and sulfates both fell significantly in volume and value, with sulfates dropping from 4,810 to 1,970 metric tons and their value from $22.5 million to $14.6 million. Exports of cobalt metal slightly decreased from 5,330 to 5,050 metric tons, while exports of oxides and hydroxides nearly doubled in cobalt content from 31 to 60 metric tons. Overall, total exports remained relatively stable in cobalt content and value, suggesting steady external demand despite fluctuating import patterns.