China’s 9,000-Tonne Silver Import Surge: U.S. Supply Risks & Strategic Fallout
China imported over 9,000 tonnes of silver in 2024—its largest surge in history.
This shift is driving up global prices and straining U.S. clean energy and electronics.
Here’s what’s happening—and why it matters.

Summary
China has emerged as the world's dominant force in the global silver market, with annual imports reaching an unprecedented 9,000 metric tonnes in 2024–2025, challenging India's long-standing dominance in precious metal acquisition [2]. This surge represents a strategic imperative driven by rapid technological advancement and industrial expansion, positioning China at the forefront of global commodity markets [2][14].