Cobalt-60 Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032

The Cobalt-60 Market size was estimated at USD 498.63 million in 2025 and expected to reach USD 538.53 million in 2026, at a CAGR of 7.85% to reach USD 846.74 million by 2032.

Cobalt-60, a radioisotope emitting high-energy gamma rays, has become indispensable across multiple sectors, underpinning critical processes that range from cancer therapy to industrial quality control. Its unique ability to deliver consistent and penetrating radiation makes it a cornerstone in applications where precision and reliability are paramount. As global healthcare systems seek to expand access to affordable cancer treatments, and manufacturers pursue robust sterilization methods, the demand for Cobalt-60 continues to intensify.

Recent demographic shifts, characterized by an aging population and rising cancer incidence, have amplified the requirement for radiation-based medical interventions. At the same time, heightened concerns about healthcare-associated infections have driven widespread adoption of radiation sterilization for single-use medical devices. Parallel to these developments, stringent food safety regulations and the pursuit of extended shelf life for perishables have elevated the role of gamma irradiation in the food industry.

Despite these robust drivers, supply remains constrained by the limited number of reactor platforms capable of producing Cobalt-60. CANDU and RBMK reactors account for the vast majority of global output, while initiatives to leverage pressurized water reactors could reshape availability. Notably, the refurbishment of Ontario’s Darlington Unit 1 alone now satisfies roughly one quarter of worldwide demand, illustrating both the strategic importance of targeted investments and the ongoing need for capacity expansion.

Technological progress and regulatory reforms have fundamentally altered the production and application landscape for Cobalt-60. Industry leaders are exploring novel reactor platforms such as pressurized water reactors to augment output, while partnerships between major isotope suppliers and utility operators are accelerating development timelines. In parallel, the emergence of electron beam and X-ray sterilization technologies has introduced competitive dynamics, prompting producers to optimize cost structures and invest in next-generation encapsulation methods.

Regulatory bodies are also redefining standards, expanding approvals for alternative radiation modalities and streamlining licensing pathways for Cobalt-60 facilities. This confluence of technological advancements and policy evolution has enabled a more resilient supply network, yet it has also intensified scrutiny of safety protocols and transportation logistics. As corporate research and development budgets prioritize innovations in source design and automation, the industry is poised to deliver higher activity concentrations and improved handling efficiencies.

Collectively, these transformative shifts are reshaping market entry barriers and creating new opportunities for collaboration across the nuclear, healthcare, and food processing sectors. Organizations that align early with these trends stand to secure preferential access to emerging capacity, while enhancing operational flexibility in an increasingly dynamic competitive environment.

The United States’ tariff policies implemented in early 2025 have introduced significant complexity into global Cobalt-60 supply chains, influencing cost structures and sourcing strategies. The introduction of a baseline 10% tariff on nearly all imports, combined with elevated reciprocal duties reaching 35% for certain nations, has prompted end users and suppliers to reevaluate procurement channels. This policy environment has spurred increased demand for Cobalt-60 materials originating from exempted regions, most notably Indonesia, where production by select international firms circumvents higher duties and preserves competitive pricing for U.S. buyers.

Concurrently, the initiation of a Section 232 investigation into critical minerals has underscored the strategic importance of developing domestic processing capabilities. As the review extends to cobalt, nickel, and uranium, stakeholders anticipate potential tariff adjustments or incentives aimed at bolstering American refining infrastructure. While these measures could mitigate supply risks over the medium term, they present immediate challenges for incumbent suppliers reliant on cross-border logistics and transshipment arrangements.

Industry participants are responding by diversifying their supplier portfolios, strengthening partnerships with non-tariffed producers, and exploring onshore recycling initiatives. Although these strategies help manage near-term cost volatility, the cumulative impact of tariffs underscores the imperative for sustained investment in domestic capacity and regulatory engagement to ensure stable access to this critical isotope.

A granular examination of market segmentation reveals the multifaceted drivers shaping Cobalt-60 dynamics. Within the spectrum of applications, food irradiation has become particularly prominent, with processors of fruits and vegetables, meat products, and spices leveraging gamma sources to meet rigorous safety standards. Concurrently, metal hardening processes such as case hardening and surface treatments are capturing attention in sectors requiring enhanced material performance. In oil well logging, both density and gamma ray logging techniques rely on robust source activity to provide accurate subsurface characterizations. The medical segment continues to evolve as external beam treatments and specialized brachytherapy devices diversify clinical protocols, while terminal sterilization of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and surgical instruments remains a backbone of industry practice.

From a source type perspective, radiography sources are gaining traction in non-destructive testing applications, while sealed industrial sources underpin large-scale sterilization and irradiation facilities. Teletherapy sources persist as core components in radiation oncology workflows, driving continuous demand.

Examining end users, healthcare providers dominate consumption, supported by rising procedural volumes and an emphasis on infection control. The food and beverage industry secures shelf life improvements, and the agriculture sector utilizes irradiation for phytosanitary compliance. Manufacturing leaders in automotive and aerospace embrace gamma processing for quality assurance, and oil and gas companies integrate Cobalt-60 into logging services to optimize resource extraction. Regarding product form, loose pellets offer customization for research and pilot operations, rods and wire cater to standardized encapsulation, and sealed sources deliver turnkey radiation solutions for clinical and industrial installations.

In the Americas, robust healthcare infrastructures and supportive regulatory frameworks underpin sustained growth in Cobalt-60 use. Canada’s recent reactor refurbishments have enhanced North American supply resilience, while U.S. facilities continue to modernize licensing and safety protocols to accommodate expanding sterilization and therapy demands. Latin American markets, buoyed by food export initiatives and improving clinical networks, represent an emergent frontier for irradiation services.

Within Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, advanced industrial applications are complemented by strong academic research hubs exploring novel radiation methodologies. Europe’s emphasis on circular economy principles has catalyzed interest in on-site isotope recycling, while Gulf nations are investing in irradiation centers to bolster food security. Across Africa, infrastructure constraints pose challenges; however, regional collaborations are laying the groundwork for expanded access to irradiation technology and training.

Asia-Pacific exhibits the fastest pace of expansion, driven by major capacity additions in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Government-sponsored initiatives targeting food safety, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and cancer care have led to the commissioning of new gamma facilities. Russia’s isotope production at sites such as Kursk and Smolensk continues to supply both regional and export markets, reinforcing the strategic significance of the Asia-Pacific as a nexus of global Cobalt-60 activity.

Leading the global supply chain, Nordion commands a preeminent position through its extensive network of irradiation facilities and decades of production expertise. By continuously investing in new reactor partnerships and encapsulation technologies, the company maintains reliable access to high specific activity Cobalt-60 for critical applications. Rosatom, via its JSC Isotope enterprise and Rosenergoatom nuclear power plants, has secured a substantial share of world output, leveraging RBMK reactors to fulfill demand in both healthcare and industrial markets.

Eckert & Ziegler distinguishes itself with innovations in source design, offering modular encapsulation solutions that enhance safety and streamline regulatory compliance. Best Theratronics focuses on compact medical irradiators for emerging markets, optimizing portability and cost efficiency for radiotherapy centers. QSA Global specializes in radiography sources and portable systems, catering to non-destructive testing needs in manufacturing and infrastructure inspection.

Each of these companies contributes unique capabilities, ranging from large-scale reactor-based production to targeted device specialization. Their collective investments in capacity expansion, safety upgrades, and distribution networks form the backbone of the Cobalt-60 ecosystem, ensuring continuity of supply and driving incremental advances in performance and convenience.

Industry leaders should prioritize diversification of supply channels by establishing partnerships with both traditional reactor operators and emerging producers. Investing in pilot projects for pressurized water reactor-based cobalt production can mitigate reliance on legacy CANDU and RBMK infrastructures. At the same time, exploring collaborative ventures in e-beam and X-ray facilities will provide complementary capabilities and reduce vulnerability to isotope shortages.

Enhancing domestic processing and recycling initiatives will be vital to offset tariff-induced cost pressures and to strengthen national security postures. Stakeholders should engage proactively with regulatory agencies to streamline licensing pathways, improve transport logistics, and advocate for balanced policies that recognize the strategic importance of Cobalt-60.

Finally, companies must align innovation roadmaps with evolving end-user requirements by developing advanced encapsulation, remote handling, and automated source exchange systems. Such initiatives will not only improve operational safety but also expand market accessibility, enabling broader adoption in emerging sectors such as advanced material modification and novel radiotherapeutic modalities.

This analysis integrates data from extensive secondary research across technical publications, regulatory filings, and industry reports, complemented by primary interviews with senior executives at leading isotope producers and facility operators. Trade and tariff impacts were evaluated using information from reputable news outlets, government documents, and trade commission records, ensuring an accurate portrayal of policy dynamics.

Segmentation modeling was conducted by mapping application use cases against production capabilities and end-user demand profiles. Triangulation techniques validated findings against multiple data sources to mitigate bias and improve reliability. Risk assessments regarding supply chain vulnerabilities incorporated scenario planning for geopolitical events and infrastructure disruptions.

Finally, all insights underwent peer review by subject matter experts in nuclear engineering, healthcare sterilization, and industrial irradiation, guaranteeing that conclusions reflect both the current state of the market and plausible future developments.

This executive summary highlights a landscape where surging demand for Cobalt-60 in medical, industrial, and safety applications coincides with evolving production technologies and shifting policy environments. While traditional reactor platforms remain the backbone of supply, strategic investments in alternative production methods and capacity expansions are poised to reshape market dynamics. Tariff policies introduced in 2025 have introduced new cost considerations, emphasizing the need for diversified sourcing and domestic processing capabilities.

Segmentation insights reveal that growth is driven by applications ranging from food irradiation to advanced radiotherapy, underpinned by distinct end-user requirements and product forms. Regionally, the Americas leverage refurbishment projects and strong regulatory support, EMEA prioritizes circularity and training programs, and Asia-Pacific emerges as the fastest-growing market through government-led capacity additions.

Against this backdrop, leading companies continue to distinguish themselves through technology innovation, network expansion, and safety enhancements. Strategic recommendations underscore the importance of resilient supply chains, regulatory advocacy, and targeted R&D investments. Together, these factors define a trajectory toward sustained growth, balanced by the imperative to manage risks and adapt to evolving global conditions.

For personalized access to the full Cobalt-60 market research report, including detailed forecasts, segmentation analyses, and strategic insights, please connect with Ketan Rohom, Associate Director, Sales & Marketing at 360iResearch. Engaging with Ketan will ensure you receive tailored information aligned with your organizational objectives and market intelligence needs. Discover how this comprehensive study can inform your strategic planning and operational decisions in the evolving Cobalt-60 landscape.