Silver prices in Egypt declined by 4.6% last week, tracking a sharp global downturn of nearly 9% per ounce, according to a report by Safe Haven Hub. Historically, China absorbed between 30% and 50% of global silver production from the mid-16th to early 19th centuries, underpinning its monetary, fiscal, and trade systems. Today, China remains the world’s second-largest silver producer, a major refiner and exporter, and has recently imposed export restrictions aimed at strengthening control over global silver supply chains. Limited primary deposits and heavy reliance on secondary production—mainly from copper, lead, zinc, and gold mining—now account for 72% of global supply. Solar energy alone consumes more than 200 million ounces annually, a figure expected to exceed 450 million ounces by 2030.

Source: Daily News Egypt January 04, 2026 18:56 UTC