Cobalt: Why This Chart Can Spark Both Fear and Happiness

Source:Fastmarkerts. Cobalt standard grade, in-whs Rotterdam $/lb.

If you’re the Chief Financial Officer of an automaker like the Ford Motor Company that loses money on every single electric vehicle it sells, the fact that this chart lists the price of cobalt at around $17 will make you smile.

Cobalt is one of the most expensive inputs into the large electric batteries that power Ford’s F-150 Lightning pick-up truck, so when this controversial resource is selling at half the price it was just a year ago, it helps the company to fight its ongoing price war with Tesla and to better compete against low-cost Chinese EV companies in other markets around the world.

  • 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.