Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Traders are scrambling to fly gold bullion across the Atlantic — here's why

 There is an unusual rise in gold being transported from London to New York due to concerns over tariff impacts and pricing differences. This trend reveals anxieties among gold traders about potential future tariffs on gold imports.

• Gold Transportation Surge: A significant amount of gold is being moved from the Bank of England to New York as traders react to tariff threats from President Donald Trump.

• Pricing Discrepancies: Gold held in the UK is currently trading at a discount because of these tariff concerns, causing prices to be about $5 to $20 lower than the New York market rate.

• Withdrawal Delays: Traders are experiencing extensive delays when trying to withdraw gold from the Bank of England due to increased demand.

• Market Insights: Michael Haigh, from Société Générale, indicates that traders are scrambling to safeguard their investments in light of possible tariff implementations.

• Bank of England's Role: The Bank of England, which holds around 400,000 gold bars, serves as a key custodian of gold, second only to the New York Federal Reserve. Its operations are vital for the global gold market, which is largely centered in London.

• Market Predictions: Analysts predict ongoing hikes in gold prices, potentially reaching $3,000 an ounce, especially after a recent record high of approximately $2,900 per ounce.

• Record Demand: In 2024, gold demand hit a historic level of 4,974 tons, spurred by central bank purchases and investment growth, while the overall demand value was unprecedented at $382 billion.

• Future Supply Concerns: Experts indicate that gold supply may face challenges as production issues arise. This could lead to a decrease in available gold due to environmental and financial barriers to new mining activities.

The surge in gold flying from London to New York highlights the significant market shifts driven by uncertainty regarding tariffs and pricing. As demand remains high and supply issues loom, the dynamics of the gold market are likely to continue evolving, affecting stakeholders worldwide. 

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/gold-price-bullion-bank-england-london-new-york-trump-tariffs-2025-2?op=1

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