Gold and silver prices increased over the course of 2021, but these did not grow as fast as the prices of iridium and, especially, rhodium. According to a comparison of price indices, the price for rhodium - a precious metal similar to platinum and used especially in catalytic converters of cars - was ten times higher in April 2021 than it was in January 2019. The price hike for rhodium was apparently caused by coronavirus-related lockdowns implemented in South Africa, where mining companies had to close for several weeks.

In 2025, the price of platinum is forecast to hover around 1,150 U.S. dollars per troy ounce. Meanwhile, the cost of per troy ounce of gold is expected to amount to 1,700 U.S. dollars.

Precious metals

Precious metals are counted among the most valuable commodities worldwide. The most well known such metals are gold, silver and the platinum group metals. A precious metal can be used as an industrial commodity or as an investment. The major areas of application include the following sectors: technology, car-making, industrial manufacturing and jewelry making. Furthermore, gold and silver are used as coinage metals, and gold reserves are held by the central banks of many countries worldwide in order to store value or for use as a redemption medium. The idea behind this procedure is that gold reserves will help secure and stabilize the countries’ respective currencies. At 8,100 tons, the United States is the country with the most extensive stock of gold. It is kept in an underground vault at the New York Federal Reserve Bank.

Russia, the United States, Canada, South Africa and China are the main producers of precious metals. Silver is the most abundant of the metals, followed by gold and palladium. Barrick Gold is the world’s largest gold mining company. The Toronto-based firm produced some five million ounces of gold in 2020. The leading silver producers include Mexico-based Fresnillo, Poland’s KGHM Polska Miedž and the mining giant Glencore. Anglo Platinum and Impala are the key mining companies to produce platinum group metals.

In 2023, Silver prices are expected to settle at around 23.5 U.S. dollars per troy ounce. It is expected to remain the precious metal with the lowest value per ounce. The price of gold is forecast to drop to around 1,663 U.S. dollars per ounce, making it the most expensive precious metal in 2023.

Gold fell to 3,350.92 USD/t.oz on July 14, 2025, down 0.18% from the previous day. Over the past month, Gold's price has fallen 0.98%, but it is still 38.32% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Gold - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Precious Metal Market Outlook

As of 2023, the global market size for precious metals is valued at approximately $250 billion, and it is projected to reach around $370 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3%. This robust growth is driven by several factors, including increasing demand from emerging markets, heightened investment interests, and technological advancements in industrial applications. Precious metals, particularly gold and silver, have long been valued as safe-haven assets, but recent trends indicate a broader scope of applications, which is further fueling market expansion.

The growth of the precious metal market is significantly influenced by the geopolitical climate and economic uncertainties. In times of political instability or economic downturns, investors often turn to precious metals as a means of preserving wealth, which in turn spikes demand. For instance, during periods of inflation or currency devaluation, gold and silver are particularly sought after as they retain intrinsic value. Moreover, central banks around the world have been bolstering their gold reserves, a move that not only stabilizes their own currencies but also adds upward pressure on gold prices, thereby contributing to market growth.

Another notable driver of the precious metal market is the growing industrial demand, especially for metals like silver and platinum. Silver, with its excellent electrical conductivity, is widely used in electronics and solar panels. Meanwhile, platinum finds extensive applications in automotive catalytic converters. As industries adopt greener technologies and renewable energy solutions, the demand for these metals is expected to rise. Additionally, advancements in medical technology and the growing use of silver in antibacterial applications are further broadening the scope of industrial demand for precious metals.

The jewelry sector continues to be a substantial contributor to the precious metal market. Gold and silver jewelry remain highly valued across various cultures, symbolizing wealth and prestige. The rise in disposable income coupled with changing fashion trends in emerging economies is driving the demand for both traditional and contemporary jewelry design, thereby bolstering market growth. Moreover, the increasing influence of online platforms has made luxury jewelry more accessible to a broader audience, further enhancing market reach.

Silver Bullion plays a pivotal role in the investment landscape, offering a tangible asset that investors can physically hold. Unlike digital investments, silver bullion provides a sense of security and ownership that is often appealing during times of economic uncertainty. The demand for silver bullion is influenced by its affordability compared to gold, making it an attractive option for both new and seasoned investors. Additionally, silver bullion is not only a store of value but also a hedge against inflation, protecting purchasing power over time. As global markets fluctuate, the stability and reliability of silver bullion continue to draw interest from a diverse range of investors seeking to diversify their portfolios.

Regionally, Asia Pacific dominates the precious metal market, driven largely by high consumption in countries such as China and India. The cultural affinity towards gold in these regions, especially during festivals and weddings, underpins the demand. Europe and North America also represent significant markets, with a strong focus on investment and industrial applications. Meanwhile, emerging markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are projected to exhibit a higher growth rate due to increasing industrialization and rising disposable incomes.

Type Analysis

The precious metal market is segmented into various types, including gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and others. Gold remains the most prominent segment, accounting for a substantial portion of the market share. Its allure as a hedge against inflation and economic instability makes it a favored choice among investors. Furthermore, gold's intrinsic value and historical significance continue to make it a preferred asset for central banks and institutional investors. The jewelry sector also heavily relies on gold, with countries like India and China leading the demand, driven by cultural and traditional practices.

Silver follows gold in terms of market significance, primarily due to its dual role as both an industrial and inv

In 2024, one troy ounce of gold had an annual average price of ******** U.S. dollars. Gold pricing determinants Gold is a metal that is considered malleable, ductile, and is known for its bright lustrous yellow color. This transition metal is highly valued as a precious metal for its use in coins, jewelry, and in investments. Gold was also once used as a standard for monetary policies between different countries. The price of gold is determined by daily fixings where participants agree to buy or sell at a set price or to maintain the price through supply and demand control. For gold, companies like Barclays Capital, Scotia-Mocatta, Sociétè Générale, HSBC, and Deutsche Bank are members in gold fixing at the London Bullion Market Association.

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Precious Metals Market Size 2025-2029

The precious metals market size is forecast to increase by USD 105.3 billion at a CAGR of 6.4% between 2024 and 2029.

Precious metals, including platinum, palladium, gold, and silver, continue to be sought-after commodities in various industries, from consumer electronics and jewelry to renewable energy and wealth management. The market for precious metals is driven by their unique properties, such as high conductivity, resistance to corrosion, and use as catalysts in various applications. Composite materials incorporating precious metals, like tellurium in solar panels and beacon materials in semiconductors, are gaining popularity due to their enhanced performance. Moreover, the growing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors is influencing the market, with consumers and investors increasingly demanding responsible sourcing and ethical mining practices.
Platinum, for instance, is extensively used in catalytic converters In the automotive industry to reduce emissions, making it a critical component In the transition to cleaner transportation. In the realm of consumer electronics, precious metals are essential for the production of high-performance computer components, such as memory chips and connectors. Renewable energy technologies, like solar panels and fuel cells, also rely on precious metals for their efficient operation. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) offer investors a cost-effective way to gain exposure to the markets, making them an attractive investment option during economic uncertainty. However, challenges persist, such as the environmental impact of mining and extraction processes, geopolitical risks, and supply chain disruptions.
Addressing these challenges through sustainable mining practices, technological innovations, and strategic partnerships will be crucial for the continued growth of the market.

What will be the Size of the Precious Metals Market during the forecast period?

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The market encompasses gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, each with distinct roles in various industries. Gold, a traditional safe-haven asset, maintains demand for jewelry and as a store of value. Silver, with applications in jewelry, electronics, solar panels, and electric vehicles, exhibits price volatility due to its diverse usage. Platinum and palladium, collectively known as platinum group metals, are essential components in catalytic converters, electronics, and renewable energy technologies. The market size is substantial, driven by increasing demand from the electrical and electronics sector, solar panel manufacturers, and the jewelry industry. Environmental concerns and regulations, such as those related to carbon emissions and environmental pollution, further influence market dynamics.
The Silver Institute and World Gold Council serve as key sources of industry insights and research.

How is this Precious Metals Industry segmented?

The precious metals industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Gold
  Silver
  Platinum


Application

  Industrial
  Jewelry
  Investment


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy


  Middle East and Africa

    Brazil


  South America

By Type Insights

The gold segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, held significant market value in 2024. Gold, in particular, led the segment due to its enduring appeal as a safe-haven asset and store of value. Central banks, such as the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of Germany, continue to accumulate gold reserves, while investors seek refuge during economic uncertainty. Gold's unique properties, like malleability and conductivity, make it indispensable in various industries, including electronics, dentistry, and jewelry. The rise of gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has boosted investor accessibility, creating liquidity and demand. Despite price fluctuations, gold's importance remains undeniable, serving as a standard for stability and asset preservation amidst global financial volatility.

Silver, platinum, and palladium also hold importance in diverse applications, such as jewelry, electronics, solar panels, electric vehicles, and catalytic converters. The market is influenced by geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, currency fluctuations, and environmental impact, including climate change and renewable energy sources. The industry adheres to circular economy principles, sustainability, and brand reputation, offering eco-friendly products and complying wit

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Secondary Precious Metals (WPU10240669) from Jun 1997 to May 2025 about precious metals, secondary, metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Stay informed with real-time charts of international precious metal prices. Monitor spot prices for Silver in USD, GBP, and EUR. Access live updates here >>

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Secondary Precious Metals was 640.08900 Index 1982=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Secondary Precious Metals reached a record high of 643.31200 in April of 2025 and a record low of 67.70000 in April of 2001. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Secondary Precious Metals - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Dataset of historical annual gold prices from 1970 to 2024, including significant events and acts that impacted gold prices.

Monthly gold prices in USD since 1833 (sourced from the World Gold Council). The data is derived from historical records compiled by Timothy Green and supplemented by data provided by the World Bank...

Stay informed with real-time charts of international precious metal prices. Monitor spot prices for Platinum in USD, GBP, and EUR. Access live updates here >>

Rhodium traded flat at 5,700 USD/t oz. on July 11, 2025. Over the past month, Rhodium's price has risen 3.64%, and is up 23.91% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Rhodium - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Precious Metal Recovery Market Outlook

The global precious metal recovery market is witnessing a significant expansion, with a market size valued at approximately USD 21 billion in 2023 and projected to reach around USD 38 billion by 2032, growing at a robust CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2032. The growth of this market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and efficient recycling processes in various industries, such as electronics and automotive, coupled with technological advancements in recovery processes. As the world becomes more conscious of environmental impacts and resource conservation, the emphasis on recovering valuable metals from waste streams has intensified, providing a lucrative growth trajectory to this market.

One of the significant growth factors in the precious metal recovery market is the escalating volume of electronic waste (e-waste) generated globally. With rapid technological advancements and the resulting obsolescence of gadgets, e-waste is accumulating at an unprecedented rate, creating a vast repository of precious metals waiting to be recovered. Key metals such as gold, silver, palladium, and platinum are abundant in electronic scrap, and their recovery not only offers financial incentives but also reduces environmental pollution. Furthermore, regulatory mandates and policies promoting e-waste recycling augment the growth of the market. Government initiatives around the globe encourage the recycling of electronic components, driving the demand for technologically advanced precious metal recovery solutions.

Another driving factor is the automotive industry's increasing reliance on catalytic converters, which contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. As vehicle production scales up, particularly in emerging economies, the demand for catalytic converter recycling rises significantly. The metal recovery from automotive catalysts not only contributes to resource efficiency but also aids in the compliance with stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing vehicular emissions. With the continuous development of hybrid and electric vehicles, the automotive sector remains a critical contributor to the growth of the precious metal recovery market.

Moreover, the global emphasis on sustainable industrial practices has led to the adoption of recycling and recovery processes in the chemical and jewelry industries. These industries are investing heavily in recycling techniques to minimize waste and optimize resource utilization, thereby driving market growth. The chemical industry, in particular, involves processes that yield industrial waste containing precious metals, which can be efficiently recycled. Similarly, the jewelry industry, driven by fluctuating precious metal prices and ethical sourcing challenges, is increasingly focusing on metal recovery to meet demand sustainably. This shift towards sustainability is expected to further propel the market expansion.

Noble Metal Recycling has emerged as a pivotal component within the broader context of precious metal recovery. As industries strive to enhance sustainability and resource efficiency, the recycling of noble metals such as gold, platinum, and palladium is gaining traction. These metals, known for their exceptional resistance to corrosion and oxidation, are integral to various high-tech applications, including electronics, automotive catalytic converters, and medical devices. By focusing on the recycling of noble metals, industries not only reduce the environmental impact associated with mining and refining but also secure a stable supply of these critical materials. The advancement of recycling technologies is further enabling the efficient recovery of noble metals from complex waste streams, reinforcing their role in the circular economy.

From a regional perspective, Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the market, owing to rapid industrialization, a surge in electronic manufacturing, and the presence of major automobile producers. North America and Europe follow closely, driven by stringent environmental regulations and advanced technological capabilities. In Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, the market is anticipated to grow steadily, supported by increasing awareness of recycling benefits and ongoing infrastructure developments. These regions are witnessing a gradual shift towards adopting sophisticated recovery technologies to enhance the efficiency and yield of precious metal extraction processes.

Technology Analysis

The Precious Metals Marketsize was valued at USD 261.94 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 371.04 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.1 % during the forecast period.The word "precious metals" implies a dozen metallic earthly metals that are scarce and notable for their properties, including rarity, strength, and value deriving from their special characteristics, naturalness, and long service lives. These types of metals are counted as precious metals, which include gold, platinum, silver, and palladium. Being the only of its kind, this is the reason why people need them to either be converted into jewellery, monetary use, or industrial processes. The precious metal charts its course higher than its peers because of its known properties, such as a shiny mirror and even the ability to fabricate in different designs, while also being pegged as a synonym for success and stability. Precious metal has found its use in jewellery and as a hedge against inflation. Thanks to its unique property of being an almost excellent conductor and antibacterial, it can be used in the making of electrical stuff, photography, and medical equipment. Platinum exhibits excellent corrosion resistance and has high melting points, so it is used in the fabrication of catalytic converters, fuel cells, and jewellery. Palladium and platinum have some common nodes, such as platinum being highly utilized in the making of catalytic converters and electronics, which include components such as hard drives and memory cards. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Disposable Income and Changing Lifestyle to Drive Growth. Potential restraints include: Inconsistent Prices of Precious Metals to Impede Growth.

The Global Precious metals Market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period by 2028. The growth can be attributed to industrial applications such as jewelry and medical devices which are anticipated to increase demand for gold and silver medal, respectively over the forecast period.

Precious metals are a group of elements that have been used for centuries to create some of the most beautiful and highest quality objects in history. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are precious metals while copper is not typically categorized as a precious metal because it is so abundant on earth. The beauty of precious metals is not their only value. They are also used in applications that range from industry to financial services and even consumer goods such as jewelry.

On the basis of Type, the market is segmented into Gold, Silver Metal, Platinum Group Metals.

Gold:

Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and an atomic number of 79. It has been a highly sought-after precious metal for coinage, jewelry, and other arts since the beginning of recorded history. The metal occurs as nuggets or grains in rocks, underground veins, and in alluvial deposits. Gold is dense, soft, shiny and the most malleable and ductile pure metal known to man which means it can be beaten into thin sheets (0.0000001 mm) but not dissolved by any acid.

Silver Metal:

The term ‘silver metal’ is used to refer to the silver-rich alloy of metals. The alloys are also known as Ag or sterling, which has high purity and includes copper, nickel, zinc, etc. Silver metal is increasingly preferred over other precious metals due to its low cost in comparison with gold and platinum group metals (PGM).

Platinum Group Metals:

Platinum Group Metals are a group of metals that have been traditionally used in the industry, but lately, they have become popular for other applications as well. The main features of Platinum Group Metals are that they can be worked into almost any shape or form and their price remains stable even when the market becomes very volatile.

On the basis of Application, the market is segmented into Industry, Consumer Sector, Financial Sector.

Industry:

In the industry sector, precious metals are used in many different aspects of production. This includes anything from electronics to car manufacturing and even healthcare applications. A lot of technology devices require these materials for their construction, most notably smartphones. Smartphone manufacturers use gold foils on circuit boards due to their low electrical resistance properties that help with signal transmission between components.

Consumer Sector:

Precious metals are used in various consumer electronics. The use of gold, silver, and platinum for manufacturing electronic equipment has increased due to the increasing penetration of smartphones, tablets, etc., which have grown rapidly over the past decade or so. The consumer sector is expected to be the largest market for precious metals, and this trend will continue over the forecast period.

Financial Sector:

Gold and silver are used in a range of financial products, from coins to bars. Gold has been held as an asset for thousands of years because it is scarce, durable, liquid, and does not need any other material to produce jewelry or be shaped into ornaments. Silver's physical characteristics have also resulted in its widespread use in industry: being highly conductive means that silver metal dramatically lowers energy costs when compared with traditional materials such as a copper wire.

On the basis of Region, the market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.

The North American market is expected to account for the largest share, due to its increasing demand from several end-use industries. The U.S., which contributes a major share of this region’s revenue, has been witnessing an upsurge in public and private investment opportunities across different sectors such as the oil & gas exploration and the construction industry. This trend is likely to boost the availability of raw materials required by downstream segments including Gold Jewelry manufacturer companies, thereby driving growth over the next few years. The Latin American market is estimated to be the fastest-growing during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific will witness significant growth due to factors such as developments in the mining industr

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Miscellaneous Products: Jewelers' Findings and Materials, Precious Metal (WPU15940811) from Dec 2008 to Jul 2021 about precious metals, jewelry, miscellaneous, materials, metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The price of gold per troy ounce increased considerably between 1990 and 2025, despite some fluctuations. A troy ounce is the international common unit of weight used for precious metals and is approximately **** grams. At the end of 2024, a troy ounce of gold cost ******* U.S. dollars. As of * June 2025, it increased considerably to ******** U.S. dollars. Price of – additional information In 2000, the price of gold was at its lowest since 1990, with a troy ounce of gold costing ***** U.S. dollars in that year. Since then, gold prices have been rising and after the economic crisis of 2008, the price of gold rose at higher rates than ever before as the market began to see gold as an increasingly good investment. History has shown, gold is seen as a good investment in times of uncertainty because it can or is thought to function as a good store of value against a declining currency as well as providing protection against inflation. However, unlike other commodities, once gold is mined it does not get used up like other commodities (for example, such as gasoline). So while gold may be a good investment at times, the supply demand argument does not apply to gold. Nonetheless, the demand for gold has been mostly consistent.

Silver Price: USD data was reported at 14.560 USD/oz in Sep 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 14.910 USD/oz for Aug 2018. Silver Price: USD data is updated monthly, averaging 6.100 USD/oz from Dec 1985 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 394 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 48.150 USD/oz in Apr 2011 and a record low of 3.558 USD/oz in Feb 1993. Silver Price: USD data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Swiss National Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Switzerland – Table CH.P001: Precious Metals Prices.

Graph and download economic data for Export Price Index (Harmonized System): Natural or Cultured Pearls, Precious or Semi-Precious Stones, Precious Metals, Metals Clad with Precious Metal and Articles Thereof; Imitation Jewelry; Coin (IDXIV) from Dec 1992 to May 2025 about precious metals, coins, jewelry, harmonized, exports, metals, price index, indexes, price, and USA.