Russian precious metal exports to China jump 80% in the first half of 2025.

 

russia and china 

Russian precious metal exports to China jump 80% in the first half of 2025.

Russia's exports of precious metals (gold, silver, and other raw materials) to China during the first half of 2025 amounted to approximately $1 billion, an increase of nearly 80% compared to the same period in 2024.

This increase, according to Bloomberg, is due to record-high gold prices, which have risen by about 28% this year, driven by various global economic factors, including rising geopolitical risks, trade tensions, and strong buying by central banks and exchange-traded funds.

Russia is the world's second-largest gold producer, with annual production exceeding 300 tons. However, following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the imposition of sanctions by Western trading centers such as London and New York, Russia was forced to divert its exports to alternative markets, most notably China.

Despite the Russian Central Bank's halt to large-scale gold purchases, domestic demand from individuals within Russia saw an unprecedented surge, reaching a record high in 2024.

Russian citizens have turned to precious metals as a means of protecting their savings amid economic uncertainty.