Basic heading 236 of 239 in section 2
Cobalt ores and concentrates occupy a pivotal position in the battery-materials supply chain, as cobalt is a key cathode component in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and consumer electronics. The Democratic Republic of Congo accounts for the overwhelming majority of global cobalt mine output, creating significant concentration risk that US importers and battery manufacturers actively manage through long-term offtake agreements and supply-chain due-diligence programs. Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in the DRC has also drawn scrutiny under responsible-sourcing frameworks, and importers may be asked by downstream customers to provide mine-of-origin traceability documentation.
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Several industry frameworks — including the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas and the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) — provide audit and traceability protocols for cobalt. US importers supplying battery manufacturers or electronics companies are increasingly required to demonstrate compliance with these frameworks, including documentation of the smelter or refinery processing the ore.
Cobalt ore and concentrate are minimally processed mined material, classified under this heading, whereas cobalt hydroxide is a chemical intermediate produced by hydrometallurgical processing and classified elsewhere in the tariff schedule. Battery-grade supply chains typically require cobalt hydroxide or refined cobalt sulfate rather than raw ore, so the form of the material determines both its classification and its suitability for downstream cathode precursor production.
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Imports · August 2026
origin
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
—YoY · free account
Exports
—YoY · free account
Low of 6 reported months · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. exported $119K of Cobalt Ores and Concentrates.
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026 · imports 6 of 12 months reported, exports 6 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.