MINING REFINING

Swiss Gold Refiners Add Surcharges as Global Demand Surges

Tue Feb 18 2025

Swiss gold refiners are taking unusual steps to manage supply constraints, with Metalor Technologies implementing surcharges and Argor-Heraeus halting some orders, signaling broader pressure in global precious metals markets.

Metalor has introduced a per-ounce surcharge on all its gold products due to shortages, while Argor-Heraeus has paused orders all 50-gram and 100-gram minted gold bars, according to Singapore-based dealer BullionStar.

The strain extends beyond Switzerland. South Korean banks have suspended gold and silver sales amid surging demand, while reports indicate tightness in gold bar sizes at Chinese banks. US institutional demand has increased, with COMEX gold deliveries exceeding 60,000 contracts or over 200 metric tons.

Switzerland’s refineries, which process a significant portion of the world’s gold supply, rarely impose such restrictions.

Source: https://thedeepdive.ca/