China Records $158 Billion Gold Import Spree Amid Sustained Retail Demand

China has spent a record-breaking $158 billion to import 1,141 tons of gold, shattering historical records for foreign bullion procurement.

The surge in demand is attributed to both elevated global gold prices and sustained retail appetite across mainland commercial centers. Despite being the world's largest gold producer, domestic mining output remains insufficient to meet internal consumption requirements.

Retail jewellery chains have expanded their bullion counters to cater to younger buyers seeking wealth preservation, with small-denomination gold bars, collectable coins, and wearable 24-karat pieces dominating retail floor space. Institutional accumulation by the central bank and state-linked funds has also contributed to cross-border shipments.