白银“稀土级管控”，扼住全球高科技产业“咽喉”！

Core Viewpoint - China has implemented new export controls on silver, elevating it to the level of strategic materials like rare earths, which will significantly impact the global silver market and prices [1][4]. Group 1: Export Control Measures - China is now requiring a license for silver exports, with stringent criteria including a minimum annual production of 80 tons for companies and a thorough background check on buyers and their intended use [1][4]. - This move mirrors the 2010 rare earth export licensing system, which increased approval processes and quotas, leading to a significant price surge [3]. Group 2: Global Market Impact - China accounts for 23.4% of global silver trade, exporting approximately one ton of silver for every four tons traded worldwide [4]. - The country possesses 60% to 70% of the global silver refining capacity, making it a critical player in the silver supply chain [4]. - Last year, silver prices surged by 146%, outpacing gold's 60% increase, driven by industrial demand [4]. Group 3: Industrial Demand for Silver - Silver is essential in various industries, including solar energy, electric vehicles, and AI technologies, with significant quantities required for each application [6]. - For instance, a 100 MW solar project requires approximately 2.5 to 3 tons of silver, and the projected production of 30 million electric vehicles in China by 2025 will demand between 1,500 to 3,000 tons of silver annually [6]. Group 4: Strategic Resource Management - The global silver market has been in a supply deficit for five consecutive years, with demand exceeding supply by at least 3,660 tons last year [7]. - Countries like the U.S. and Russia are recognizing silver's strategic importance, with the U.S. including it in its critical minerals list and Russia adding it to its foreign exchange reserves [9][10]. - China's export control on refined silver is part of a broader strategy to secure its technological advancements and enhance its position in global resource management [10].