Core Viewpoint - International silver prices surged from $38/oz to a historic high of $54.47/oz between late August and mid-October 2025, driven by macroeconomic factors such as safe-haven demand, allocation demand, and U.S. policy easing, alongside a fundamental supply-demand imbalance in the global silver market [1] Group 1: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The global silver supply-demand imbalance has shifted in the last four years, with supply deficits recorded in 2021 (1591 tons) and 2022 (7393 tons), and a narrowed deficit in 2023 (4400 tons), expected to widen again in 2024 (5000 tons) and 2025 (4500 tons) [2] - The structural supply-demand imbalance is attributed to increased investment and industrial demand for silver, coupled with insufficient capital expenditure from major silver mining companies, limiting long-term supply growth [2] - The London silver market experienced significant shortages, with only 24,600 tons remaining in the vaults by the end of September, and 83% of this locked in silver ETFs, leading to soaring leasing rates [4] Group 2: Impact of U.S. Policies - U.S. tariff policies and the inclusion of silver in the critical minerals list have exacerbated shortages in non-U.S. silver markets, as countries rush to export silver to the U.S. to avoid impending tariffs [3] - The proposal to add silver to the critical minerals list aims to reduce import dependency, further tightening global silver supply [3] Group 3: Market Sentiment and Price Movements - A recent easing of international trade tensions has led to a decrease in safe-haven demand for silver, as investors shift towards riskier assets like stocks and oil, contributing to a price correction from recent highs [5] - Despite short-term price adjustments, long-term bullish factors remain, including potential further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, which could support silver prices [6][7] - The ongoing structural supply-demand tightness suggests that while silver prices may experience short-term fluctuations, the medium to long-term outlook remains positive [7]