China Tightens Silver Exports: New Rules from Jan 1 to Reshape Market

• China is implementing new rules from January 1st to tighten control over silver exports.
• Silver has been granted strategic material status, similar to rare earths, due to its critical industrial uses.
• The US lists silver as a critical mineral, essential for electrical circuits, batteries, solar cells, and medical instruments.
• China was a top silver producer in 2024, exporting over 4600 tons in the first 11 months.
• The move follows a surge in silver prices and previous agreements on rare earth export controls.

Why It Matters: China's new silver export controls, effective Jan 1, will impact global supply chains and strategic industries.