Why China Wins and the West Loses When the Price of Cobalt Drops

U.S. and European automakers are rejoicing over the 30% plunge in cobalt prices this year, providing relief for one of the costliest elements needed to power electric vehicles.

But what’s good for Tesla, Ford and VW is not aligned with the priorities of their governments who want to cut Chinese companies out of the electric vehicle battery supply chain.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.