Japanese cobalt traders find there is none left to buy
Output struggles to keep up with demand for key electric car component
SHUHEI OCHIAI, Nikkei staff writer
Another trading company purchasing manager attributed the price surge to speculative buying.
Global cobalt bullion demand was 96,000 tons in 2016, versus a total supply of 95,500 tons, according to estimates from a research company. Industry sources say current stocks worldwide total about 30,000 tons.