Copper and Cobalt Prices in DRC Expected to Dip Slightly Amid Global Market Uncertainty
Prices of copper and cobalt two of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most important mineral exports—are expected to record modest declines on international markets during the week of January 26–31, 2026, according to projections from the National Market Commission under the Ministry of Foreign Trade.
Copper is forecast to trade at about $13,031 per tonne, down from $13,179 the previous week, representing a decline of roughly $148 per tonne.
Cobalt prices are expected to remain largely stable but marginally lower, easing from $53,580 to $53,577 per tonne.
Industry analysts attribute the softer pricing to a combination of international and domestic factors. Industrial metals such as copper remain highly sensitive to global economic cycles, particularly demand from construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. Ongoing economic uncertainty in China and other major consuming markets continues to weigh on prices.
Cobalt market dynamics are also being shaped by regulatory measures. Following a suspension of cobalt exports in 2025 aimed at stabilising prices in an oversupplied market, Congolese authorities partially lifted the ban while introducing an export quota system.
The new framework limits annual export volumes compared to 2024, contributing to short-term market adjustments despite its intention to support prices over the medium term.
Globally, copper supply remains strong across several producing regions, while cobalt prices are increasingly influenced by developments in battery technologies and the growing use of alternative chemistries that reduce reliance on cobalt.
The DRC remains a dominant force in global copper and cobalt markets. Together, the two minerals account for a substantial share of the country’s exports and play a critical role in the national economy.
Available data for 2024 show copper exports exceeding 3 million tonnes, underscoring the scale of the sector, while cobalt exports generated nearly $4 billion in revenue, highlighting its importance to the trade balance.
Although consolidated figures for 2025 have yet to be released, projections indicate that mining continues to be the primary driver of export earnings.
Revenues from copper and cobalt are central to supporting the national budget, foreign exchange reserves, and public investment in infrastructure and social services.
Looking ahead, cobalt export quotas are expected to continue influencing market volumes and could exert downward pressure on prices if demand does not accelerate.
For copper, demand linked to industrial activity and clean energy projects remains supportive, but uneven global growth and macroeconomic uncertainty continue to pose risks to price stability.
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