Cobalt Oxides and Hydroxides; Commercial Cobalt Oxides

Cobalt oxides and hydroxides — including cobalt(II,III) oxide (cobalt tetroxide, 2822000010) and other commercial forms (2822000090) — are critical precursor materials for lithium-ion battery cathode active materials, as well as for ceramic colorants and hard-metal binders. Finland and Belgium lead US supply, reflecting the refining infrastructure of European cobalt processors that source ore from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Indonesia and China also appear among top suppliers. Given cobalt's designation as a critical mineral, importers should track supply-chain due-diligence requirements and monitor any evolving trade-remedy measures on Chinese-origin material.