Belgium
Netherlands
IndiaIn Q1 2025, prices fell by 4.98%, continuing the extended downtrend. Demand from battery materials and high-temperature alloys remained lackluster, with several end-users’ delaying procurement due to oversupply and uncertain order books. While cobalt metal prices showed early signs of recovery, they were not sufficient to lift spot oxide pricing. Supply-side pressure persisted, with regular inflows from African and Asian producers keeping the market long.Â
In Q2 2025, Cobalt Oxide prices in Belgium surged by 40.27%, marking a sharp reversal from previous quarters. A strong rebound in demand from lithium-ion battery and superalloy sectors especially in response to restocking and regional supply tightening drove up spot prices significantly. The increase also is based upon the export restriction from Cuba of Cobalt ore.
This has significantly hit the Cobalt oxide market in European countries. Also, reduced cobalt hydroxide availability from key African mines and firmer feedstock pricing compounded the bullish sentiment. With logistics constraints re-emerging and European buyers accelerating purchases ahead of further cost inflation, the market shifted rapidly into a firmer, more volatile posture throughout the quarter.Â
In Q1 2024, Cobalt Oxide prices in Belgium declined by 4.10%, as sluggish procurement from the battery and ceramic pigment industries weighed on spot demand. Despite steady operational rates at production sites, softer downstream offtake and high inventory levels pressured prices. While upstream cobalt metal values remained largely stable, the lack of sustained buying interest and minimal export activity led to a subdued market tone throughout the quarter.Â
In Q2 2024, prices fell a further 3.18%, amid continued weakness in demand from cobalt-based cathode and specialty alloy segments. European buyers remained cautious, and Chinese purchasing interest stayed limited. Although feedstock costs for cobalt metal showed signs of stabilization, abundant material availability and lackluster order volumes kept pricing under pressure. Market sentiment remained cautious, with only short-term contractual volumes moving consistently.Â
In Q3 2024, prices dropped sharply by 7.25%, reflecting one of the steepest quarterly contractions of the year. Demand from energy storage, ceramics, and chemical intermediates remained tepid, while sluggish global electric vehicle momentum further eroded offtake. Falling cobalt metal benchmarks and competitive international offers created a bearish trading environment. Producers faced margin compression but avoided major output cuts, resulting in ongoing oversupply and further price erosion.Â
In Q4 2024, Cobalt Oxide prices in Belgium declined another 4.77%, as weak demand from the pigment and battery sectors persisted through year-end. Buyers reduced purchasing volumes amid budget constraints and a cautious macroeconomic outlook. While upstream cobalt metal prices stabilized slightly, firm logistics and steady European supply prevented any material rebound. Overall, the market tone remained bearish, with sellers forced to offer discounts to move inventory.Â
In Q1 2025, Cobalt Oxide prices fell 2.55% quarter-on-quarter as bearish market fundamentals persisted. Demand across battery precursors, pigments, and specialty chemical applications remained weak, with most importers delaying orders amid carryover stocks. The absence of price volatility in cobalt intermediates and stable export volumes from Belgium sustained a buyer-friendly environment. Overall sentiment remained cautious, with limited restocking interest and no apparent supply shocks, keeping CIF India pricing on a soft trajectory.Â
In Q2 2025, Cobalt Oxide prices rebounded sharply, posting a significant 32.14% quarter-on-quarter increase and breaking the prolonged bearish streak. The turnaround was driven by the export restriction from Cuba of Cobalt ore to Belgium and also renewed procurement from battery materials manufacturers amid signs of recovery in the EV and electronics sectors.
Belgian suppliers experienced tightening inventories due to increased European and Asian demand, constraining export volumes. This coincided with firmer cobalt feedstock prices, prompting aggressive restocking by Indian importers. Reduced spot availability and stronger cost pressures contributed to the sharp upward momentum in pricing.Â
In Q1 2024, Cobalt Oxide prices declined 4.19% quarter-on-quarter as the market experienced a correction following year-end procurement spikes. The softening trend was influenced by tepid demand from battery materials and ceramics sectors, coupled with consistent overseas shipments that maintained ample availability. Despite steady upstream cobalt feedstock costs, limited downstream momentum failed to support prices. Buyers remained cautious amid macroeconomic uncertainties, contributing to the bearish sentiment across Indian import channels.Â
In Q2 2024, Cobalt Oxide prices rose further, reflecting a 2.71% quarter-on-quarter drop as weak demand conditions persisted. The battery and pigments industries continued to operate at below-normal utilization levels, while buying interest remained subdued due to lingering concerns over high inventories and soft downstream orders. With no major changes in European supply flow or raw material costs, market direction stayed muted. Stable CIF logistics and predictable port handling further tilted the balance in favor of buyers, extending the price downtrend.Â
In Q3 2024, Cobalt Oxide prices registered a 6.67% decline, the steepest quarterly drop of the year as global cobalt sentiment weakened. Indian importers faced sluggish downstream consumption and high warehouse stock levels, especially from ceramics and hard-metal sectors. European suppliers-maintained export volumes, adding to the supply glut in India. This oversupply, along with static upstream cost cues and soft Chinese demand, continued to suppress pricing power, leading to increased price competition and narrower trade margins.Â
In Q4 2024, Cobalt Oxide recorded a 3.94% quarter-on-quarter decline amid continued year-end demand fatigue. Indian buyers remained conservative, focusing on inventory liquidation rather than fresh procurement, as downstream sectors such as magnets, catalysts, and electronics entered seasonal slowdowns. Supply-side stability from Belgian exporters and unimpeded port clearances kept availability high, leaving little room for price support. With minimal fluctuations in cobalt metal pricing and no logistic bottlenecks, the market softened further into a low-activity close.Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Cobalt Oxide (commonly known as Cobalt Blue, chemical formula CoAlâ‚‚Oâ‚„) is a highly stable, bright blue inorganic compound prized for its intense color and exceptional durability. Widely used in ceramics, glass, paints, plastics, and artistic applications, this pigment is renowned for its resistance to heat, light, and chemical exposure. In ceramics and glassmaking, Cobalt Oxide Blue imparts a vivid blue hue that remains consistent even at high firing temperatures, making it ideal for glazes and decorative finishes. In the coatings and plastics industries, it provides long-lasting, fade-resistant coloration with excellent weathering properties. Its non-bleeding, non-migratory nature ensures color stability in demanding environments. Cobalt Oxide is also valued for its non-toxic and environmentally stable characteristics, making it a preferred choice in both industrial and consumer applications. Its unique spinel crystal structure contributes to its outstanding performance in terms of color strength, dispersibility, and compatibility with a wide range of materials. As a result, Cobalt Oxide combines aesthetic appeal with robust functional benefits, making it an essential material for high-quality, durable coloration across diverse industries.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Test Parameters | Specifications |
| Cobalt Oxide Content  | 72% Min. |
| Color & Appearance | Black, Dark Blue powder |
| Lead Content as Pb | 0.001% Max. |
| Iron Content as Fe | 0.01% Max. |
| Total Sulphur Content | 0.001% Max. (as SO₄) |
| Specific Gravity | 4.2 g/cm³ |
| Bulk Density | 0.47 kg/L |
| pHÂ | 9.6Â |
| Heat Stability | 800–1200 °C |
| Residue 325 mesh (44 µm) | 0.01 wt% |
| Surface Area | 13.9 m²/g |
Applications
Cobalt oxide is a premium colorant renowned for its vibrant blue hue and exceptional stability, making it indispensable across multiple industries. In ceramics and glass, it imparts a brilliant, long-lasting blue color that withstands high firing temperatures and harsh processing conditions. The pigment’s outstanding lightfastness and chemical resistance make it a preferred choice in paints, coatings, and plastics, where durability and weather resistance are paramount. Artists and manufacturers value their purity and consistency for fine art, decorative glazes, and specialty inks. In construction, cobalt oxide is used to color concrete, tiles, and architectural finishes, ensuring enduring visual appeal. Its non-migratory, non-bleeding properties further enhance its suitability for demanding applications. Collectively, these uses underscore cobalt oxide blue pigment’s versatility and essential role in delivering both aesthetic excellence and functional performance across a wide spectrum of industrial and creative fields.Â
Geopolitical and Supply Chain Tensions (2024–2025):Â
Export restrictions from key cobalt-producing regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as ongoing logistical challenges, caused significant supply shocks. Cobalt prices rebounded sharply after hitting a nine-year low, and cobalt oxide pigment blue prices followed this volatility. Downstream buyers, facing high prices and low inventories, delayed purchases, which further tightened the market and contributed to price spikes.Â
Strategic Supply Constraints and Quotation Suspensions (2025):Â
In 2025, several major cobalt oxide pigment producers suspended spot price quotations and deliberately restricted shipments, prioritizing long-term contract customers. This artificial scarcity, combined with already low inventories in downstream sectors and a resurgence in demand from battery and pigment industries, led to a sharp price increase of 4.5–5%. Transaction volumes dropped by approximately 70%, and negotiation periods lengthened, reflecting heightened market uncertainty and volatility.Â
COVID-19 Pandemic (2020):Â
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to major disruptions in global supply chains, directly affecting the availability of raw cobalt and the production of cobalt oxide pigments. As key industries such as ceramics, automotive, and pigments slowed due to lockdowns and economic uncertainty, demand for cobalt oxide pigment blue declined, resulting in softer prices. Towards the end of 2020, as global economies began to recover and industries reopened, demand stabilized, and prices began to recover.Â
These events highlight the cobalt oxide pigment blue market’s sensitivity to supply-side disruptions, producer strategies, and shifting global demand. The market remains vulnerable to both macroeconomic shocks and targeted actions by major suppliers.Â
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global cobalt oxide price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the cobalt oxide market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence cobalt oxide prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely cobalt oxide market data.
Track PriceWatch's cobalt oxide price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. It also gathers on-the-ground intelligence from producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users in major cobalt oxide pigment production hubs. The platform closely monitors the entire supply chain, including feedstock prices, production capacities, and logistics.Â
The team continuously tracks global events, such as export bans, producer suspensions, geopolitical conflicts, and natural disasters, that may impact cobalt oxide pigment blue supply and pricing. Each event’s immediate and long-term effects on pricing are thoroughly analyzed, including shifts in transaction volumes and inventory levels.Â
PriceWatch maintains a comprehensive database of global cobalt oxide pigment production facilities, tracking operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. The platform provides detailed forecasts of upcoming production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements to predict future supply trends.Â
The platform delivers in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors such as pigments, ceramics, batteries, and automotive. It tracks year-on-year demand growth and projects future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments, while also considering regional demand variations and regulatory impacts.Â
PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast cobalt oxide pigment blue prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Scenario-based assessments are conducted to evaluate potential future market conditions, including best-case, worst-case, and most-likely scenarios.Â
Clients receive comprehensive reports featuring current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support, ensuring clients have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice.Â
This robust research methodology ensures that Price-Watch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable cobalt oxide pigment blue pricing assessments, helping clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Cobalt Oxide (commonly known as Cobalt Blue, chemical formula CoAlâ‚‚Oâ‚„) is a highly stable, bright blue inorganic compound prized for its intense color and exceptional durability. Widely used in ceramics, glass, paints, plastics, and artistic applications, this pigment is renowned for its resistance to heat, light, and chemical exposure. In ceramics and glassmaking, Cobalt Oxide Blue imparts a vivid blue hue that remains consistent even at high firing temperatures, making it ideal for glazes and decorative finishes. In the coatings and plastics industries, it provides long-lasting, fade-resistant coloration with excellent weathering properties. Its non-bleeding, non-migratory nature ensures color stability in demanding environments. Cobalt Oxide is also valued for its non-toxic and environmentally stable characteristics, making it a preferred choice in both industrial and consumer applications. Its unique spinel crystal structure contributes to its outstanding performance in terms of color strength, dispersibility, and compatibility with a wide range of materials. As a result, Cobalt Oxide combines aesthetic appeal with robust functional benefits, making it an essential material for high-quality, durable coloration across diverse industries.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Test Parameters | Specifications |
| Cobalt Oxide Content  | 72% Min. |
| Color & Appearance | Black, Dark Blue powder |
| Lead Content as Pb | 0.001% Max. |
| Iron Content as Fe | 0.01% Max. |
| Total Sulphur Content | 0.001% Max. (as SO₄) |
| Specific Gravity | 4.2 g/cm³ |
| Bulk Density | 0.47 kg/L |
| pHÂ | 9.6Â |
| Heat Stability | 800–1200 °C |
| Residue 325 mesh (44 µm) | 0.01 wt% |
| Surface Area | 13.9 m²/g |
Applications
Cobalt oxide is a premium colorant renowned for its vibrant blue hue and exceptional stability, making it indispensable across multiple industries. In ceramics and glass, it imparts a brilliant, long-lasting blue color that withstands high firing temperatures and harsh processing conditions. The pigment’s outstanding lightfastness and chemical resistance make it a preferred choice in paints, coatings, and plastics, where durability and weather resistance are paramount. Artists and manufacturers value their purity and consistency for fine art, decorative glazes, and specialty inks. In construction, cobalt oxide is used to color concrete, tiles, and architectural finishes, ensuring enduring visual appeal. Its non-migratory, non-bleeding properties further enhance its suitability for demanding applications. Collectively, these uses underscore cobalt oxide blue pigment’s versatility and essential role in delivering both aesthetic excellence and functional performance across a wide spectrum of industrial and creative fields.Â
Cobalt oxide pricing is influenced by a combination of technical, geographic, and economic factors. Purity and color strength are critical—high-purity pigment with intense, uniform color commands a premium, especially for demanding applications like ceramics, glass, and high-performance coatings. Particle size distribution and dispersibility also impact pricing, as finer, more consistent pigments are preferred for specialty uses. Geographic factors play a role, with proximity to cobalt mining and processing centers affecting supply and cost. Market demand is closely linked to trends in ceramics, automotive, and electronics, while fluctuations in raw cobalt prices and global supply chain dynamics add additional volatility. Broader economic conditions, including exchange rates, inflation, and trade policy, further shape the pricing landscape for this specialty pigment.
To negotiate effectively, start by researching current market trends and price benchmarks to establish a strong foundation. Leverage your purchase volume—larger or recurring orders can often secure better pricing. Consider sourcing from multiple suppliers to increase your bargaining power and mitigate supply risks. Long-term contracts may offer price stability and potential discounts, while negotiating favorable payment terms can enhance your cash flow. Evaluate supplier reliability, including product quality, consistency, and delivery performance, to ensure value is beyond just the price. Building a transparent, long-term relationship with your supplier can also facilitate better terms and responsiveness to market changes.
The cobalt oxide market is evolving rapidly, with several trends likely to impact future pricing. Growing demand from the ceramics, glass, and high-end coatings sectors is expected to support price growth, especially as architectural and automotive applications expand. The global shift toward electric vehicles and energy storage is increasing competition for cobalt resources, which could tighten supply and raise costs for pigment producers. Technological advancements in pigment production may improve efficiency and color performance, potentially influencing price dynamics. However, environmental regulations and responsible sourcing initiatives are likely to increase compliance costs, contributing to upward price pressure. Market competition and the emergence of alternative blue pigments may offer some balance, but overall, the market is expected to remain sensitive to both supply-side and demand-side developments.
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