LONDON, April 30 (Reuters) - Glencore ( GLCNF ) said on Thursday its first-quarter copper production rose 19%, benefiting from improved ore grades in Africa, while its marketing division remains on track to exceed the top end of its annual earnings guidance.

The Swiss-based commodities trader and miner produced 199,600 metric tons of copper in the first quarter, up from 167,900 tons a year earlier, driven by better grades at its African operations and higher output at its Antamina mine in Peru.

Cobalt production fell 39% in the quarter as Glencore ( GLCNF ) prioritised copper output at its assets in the Democratic Republic of Congo because of export quota restrictions, the company said in a statement.

Copper demand has been climbing as the metal is widely used in electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and power grids. Cobalt is a key ingredient in lithium-ion batteries that power EVs and consumer electronics.

Glencore ( GLCNF ) maintained its 2026 production guidance for its resources despite operational challenges and the closure of two Australian mines that reached the end of their economic lives.

Chief Executive Gary Nagle said the Iran war had limited impact on operations in the first quarter, but cost pressures were emerging from higher diesel and sulphuric acid prices.

Stronger commodity prices, however, would more than offset those pressures and help expand margins, he said.

Its full-year earnings before interest and tax guidance range for the marketing business stands at $2.3 billion to $3.5 billion per year.