Congo’s tightening grip on cobalt exports is sending tremors through global electric vehicle supply chains. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which produces nearly three-quarters of the world’s cobalt, has introduced new restrictions and quotas that are reshaping the market for this critical battery material.
The measures began with a four-month export ban in early 2025 and were replaced in October by a quota system. Under the new regime, only 18,125 tonnes of cobalt hydroxide can be exported for the remainder of the year, with a cap of 96,600 tonnes annually from 2026. Exporters must also prepay royalties within 48 hours, submit to joint sampling and sealing of lots, and comply with audits. While the government argues these rules will strengthen state revenues and oversight, they have created significant uncertainty for traders and manufacturers.
Industry reactions have been swift. Glencore, one of the largest cobalt traders, declared force majeure on some deliveries, citing the restrictions. CMOC Group publicly urged Congo to lift the ban, warning that policy volatility threatens existing supply agreements. Analysts echo these concerns. Duncan Hay, a commodity specialist, noted that the shifting rules and last‑minute royalty demands will keep exports and prices volatile.
The impact extends far beyond mining companies. Battery manufacturers and automakers are now reassessing production plans. Kwasi Ampofo of Bloomberg NEF warned that pegging exports at 96,000 tonnes leaves a significant gap for global supply, forcing companies to consider alternatives such as lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LFP) batteries or accelerating recycling programs. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence cautioned that by 2027 demand destruction is possible, with shortages undermining the pace of electric vehicle adoption.
For consumers, the consequences may be felt in higher prices and slower access to affordable EVs, particularly in cost‑sensitive markets such as Africa. The restrictions highlight the tension between Congo’s drive to maximize domestic benefit from its mineral wealth and the global push for clean energy. As governments and corporations scramble to secure supplies, the episode underscores a broader reality: Africa’s mineral policies are now central to the trajectory of the global energy transition.
