Nov 2, 2025
IndexBox has just published a new report: China - Colloidal Precious Metals, Compounds And Amalgams Of Precious Metals (Excluding Silver Nitrate) - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
*This article provides a comprehensive analysis of China’s market for colloidal precious metals, compounds, and amalgams of precious metals (excluding silver nitrate). In 2024, the market saw stable consumption and production at 12K tons, with a market value of $15.6B. The forecast from 2024 to 2035 predicts a deceleration in volume growth, with an anticipated CAGR of +1.1%, reaching 13K…
Nov 2, 2025
IndexBox has just published a new report: China - Colloidal Precious Metals, Compounds And Amalgams Of Precious Metals (Excluding Silver Nitrate) - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of China’s market for colloidal precious metals, compounds, and amalgams of precious metals (excluding silver nitrate). In 2024, the market saw stable consumption and production at 12K tons, with a market value of $15.6B. The forecast from 2024 to 2035 predicts a deceleration in volume growth, with an anticipated CAGR of +1.1%, reaching 13K tons by 2035, while the market value is expected to grow at a CAGR of +2.6%, reaching $20.7B. Germany was the largest import source by volume, while the United States, Germany, and Ireland were the top sources by value. Exports surged in 2024, with Malaysia being the primary destination. The analysis also details significant disparities in import and export prices among different trading partners.
Key Findings
- China’s market volume is forecast to grow to 13K tons by 2035, while market value is projected to reach $20.7B
- Domestic production and consumption were balanced at 12K tons in 2024, showing consistent long-term growth
- Germany was the dominant import source by volume (63% share), while the US, Germany, and Ireland led by value
- Exports surged 192% to 39 tons in 2024, with Malaysia as the primary destination (60% share)
- Significant price disparities exist, with Ireland’s import price at $47.4M/ton versus Italy’s $1.04M/ton
Market Forecast
Driven by increasing demand for colloidal precious metals, compounds and amalgams of precious metals (excluding silver nitrate) in China, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.1% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 13K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +2.6% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $20.7B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
Consumption
China’s Consumption of Colloidal Precious Metals, Compounds And Amalgams Of Precious Metals (Excluding Silver Nitrate)
In 2024, the amount of colloidal precious metals, compounds and amalgams of precious metals (excluding silver nitrate) consumed in China was estimated at 12K tons, flattening at the previous year. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, consumption attained the peak volume in 2024 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.
The revenue of the colloidal precious metals market in China expanded to $15.6B in 2024, growing by 2.9% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Colloidal precious metals consumption peaked in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.
Production
China’s Production of Colloidal Precious Metals, Compounds And Amalgams Of Precious Metals (Excluding Silver Nitrate)
For the twelfth consecutive year, China recorded growth in production of colloidal precious metals, compounds and amalgams of precious metals (excluding silver nitrate), which increased by 0.7% to 12K tons in 2024. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the period from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the production volume increased by 7.9%. Colloidal precious metals production peaked in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.
In value terms, colloidal precious metals production stood at $15.5B in 2024 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 7.6%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs in 2024 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.
Imports
China’s Imports of Colloidal Precious Metals, Compounds And Amalgams Of Precious Metals (Excluding Silver Nitrate)
In 2024, the amount of colloidal precious metals, compounds and amalgams of precious metals (excluding silver nitrate) imported into China dropped slightly to 102 tons, flattening at the previous year’s figure. Overall, imports, however, recorded a buoyant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 318% against the previous year. Imports peaked at 103 tons in 2023, and then fell in the following year.
In value terms, colloidal precious metals imports expanded markedly to $353M in 2024. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded temperate growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 39% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $682M in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2024, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
Imports By Country
In 2024, Germany (64 tons) constituted the largest supplier of colloidal precious metals to China, accounting for a 63% share of total imports. Moreover, colloidal precious metals imports from Germany exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Japan (22 tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by the United States (4.8 tons), with a 4.7% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of volume from Germany stood at +21.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Japan (+5.3% per year) and the United States (+6.9% per year).
In value terms, the United States ($97M), Germany ($95M) and Ireland ($83M) constituted the largest colloidal precious metals suppliers to China, with a combined 78% share of total imports.
Ireland, with a CAGR of +253.0%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Import Prices By Country
In 2024, the average colloidal precious metals import price amounted to $3,474,727 per ton, increasing by 9.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, showed a perceptible reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the average import price increased by 164% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $11,400,581 per ton. From 2017 to 2024, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.
Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Ireland ($47,416,516 per ton), while the price for Italy ($1,042,552 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ireland (+79.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
Exports
China’s Exports of Colloidal Precious Metals, Compounds And Amalgams Of Precious Metals (Excluding Silver Nitrate)
In 2024, shipments abroad of colloidal precious metals, compounds and amalgams of precious metals (excluding silver nitrate) increased by 192% to 39 tons, rising for the second year in a row after five years of decline. Over the period under review, exports showed a modest increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 412% against the previous year. The exports peaked at 48 tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, colloidal precious metals exports skyrocketed to $167M in 2024. In general, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 163%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $420M. From 2015 to 2024, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.
Exports By Country
Malaysia (23 tons) was the main destination for colloidal precious metals exports from China, with a 60% share of total exports. Moreover, colloidal precious metals exports to Malaysia exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Hong Kong SAR (7.4 tons), threefold. Singapore (3.9 tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 10% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of volume to Malaysia was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Hong Kong SAR (+11.4% per year) and Singapore (+0.1% per year).
In value terms, Malaysia ($101M) emerged as the key foreign market for colloidal precious metals, compounds and amalgams of precious metals (excluding silver nitrate) exports from China, comprising 61% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Hong Kong SAR ($18M), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Japan, with a 3.9% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Malaysia amounted to -1.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Hong Kong SAR (+1.9% per year) and Japan (+8.1% per year).
Export Prices By Country
In 2024, the average colloidal precious metals export price amounted to $4,324,910 per ton, waning by -12.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the average export price increased by 282% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $15,504,974 per ton. From 2017 to 2024, the average export prices remained at a lower figure.
Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($9,972,535 per ton), while the average price for exports to Singapore ($1,081,201 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Taiwan (Chinese) (+9.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.