China's gold imports surged 73% in April, reaching an 11-month high

Despite gold prices reaching historic highs, China's gold imports in April surged 73% month-on-month, hitting the highest level in nearly a year. The central bank allocated new import quotas to some commercial banks in April to meet the demand for investment hedging.

On Tuesday, customs data showed that China's total gold imports last month reached 127.5 tons, a new high in 11 months, with a month-on-month increase of 73%. Meanwhile, platinum imports also hit a one-year high, with 11.5 tons imported in April.

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This growth occurred against the backdrop of gold prices repeatedly setting historic highs, even briefly touching $3,500 per ounce. This counter-trend growth highlights the strong demand for gold from investors, as the willingness to purchase remains robust even in a high-price environment.

The central bank's allocation of new import quotas to some commercial banks in April was a key factor driving the surge in imports. It is worth noting that the People's Bank of China implements strict controls over the flow of physical gold, typically granting import licenses and quotas only to specific designated banks.

This move is clearly aimed at responding to the strong demand for safe-haven assets from institutional investors and retail investors during the trade war. Domestic investors are increasingly turning to gold to hedge against escalating geopolitical uncertainties, which has become a significant driver of the strong rise in gold prices earlier this year.

Although there has been some pullback in gold prices with hopes of easing trade tensions, as the U.S. and China canceled 91% of the tariffs in May, analysts point out that the central bank's ongoing strategy of purchasing gold to diversify its dollar asset allocation is expected to further support gold prices