A recent research report by China Securities reveals that despite the export ban imposed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, China's cobalt imports from January to May did not experience a notable decline, attributed to port inventories and materials en route, maintaining market stability. Nonetheless, should the ban be extended for another three months, inventories are anticipated to dwindle significantly. June imports have already seen a steep drop, with this trend poised to persist into July. Smelting enterprises are forecasted to encounter critically low inventory levels by August-September. Amidst expectations of peak-season stockpiling, the market will confront the reality of scarce raw material inventories, potentially bolstering prices and driving them upwards. Investors are encouraged to keenly observe the investment opportunities emerging from this cobalt price surge.