Gold imports to China in June this year reached their highest levels in the last two years, indicating continued high demand in the world's largest precious metals market. According to official customs data, foreign purchases increased for the third month in a row, amounting to about 173 tons. This figure is a record since March 2024. Analysts attribute this trend to a correction in international prices and the simultaneous strengthening of the Chinese yuan, which made the acquisition of the asset more attractive to local investors. In addition, commercial banks sought to maximize the use of allocated import quotas to replenish their strategic reserves and fulfill long-term obligations to customers.

The key growth factor is the need to provide physical coverage for retail sales and fractional savings programs, which are highly popular among individuals. These financial instruments allow citizens to purchase precious metals in small portions, forming a stable underlying demand in the domestic market. Experts note that financial institutions need to maintain a certain level of reserves in order to fulfill obligations and mitigate risks with a sharp increase in consumer activity. An additional stimulating factor was the introduction of an updated licensing regime from the first of June, which prompted organizations to quickly use up existing limits before a possible review of regulatory conditions by the central bank.

An important role in shaping market conditions is played by maintaining the internal price premium, which makes the purchase of gold on international platforms more economically feasible compared to domestic quotations. Some financial institutions could have booked physical shipments earlier, but the actual volume accounting occurred in June due to time costs for logistics and customs procedures. In parallel with the physical market, gold-backed exchange-traded funds are also showing positive dynamics. According to estimates by the Shanghai Gold Exchange, since the beginning of the year, these investment instruments have attracted about 28 tons of net capital inflows, which further confirms the long-term interest of institutional and private participants in diversifying their portfolios.