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Swiss monthly gold imports from the U.S. hit highest since at least 2012

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 27, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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Swiss monthly gold imports from the U.S. hit highest since at least 2012
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LONDON (Reuters) -Gold imports to Switzerland from the United States jumped to the highest monthly level since at least 2012 in April after the exclusion of precious metals from U.S. import tariffs,

Swiss Gold Imports from the U.S. Reach Record Levels in April

LONDON (Reuters) -Gold imports to Switzerland from the United States jumped to the highest monthly level since at least 2012 in April after the exclusion of precious metals from U.S. import tariffs, Swiss customs data showed on Tuesday.

Switzerland, the world's biggest bullion refining and transit hub, and Britain, home to the world's largest over-the-counter gold trading hub, registered massive outflows to the U.S. over December-March as traders sought to hedge against the possibility of broad U.S. tariffs hitting bullion imports.

The Swiss data showed that gold imports from the U.S. rose to 63.0 metric tons in April from 25.5 tons in March. It was the highest in monthly data going back to early 2012.

Switzerland's total gold exports fell by 31% month on month in April with gold deliveries to the U.S. dropping to 12.7 tons from 103.3 tons in March.

Exports to the UK rose, indicating that gold was also coming from the U.S. back to London vaults via Swiss refineries.

Deliveries to traditional gold-consuming markets - India and China - rose month on month in April but remained below the level for April last year. [GOL/AS]

Swiss total gold exports and supplies to key markets* (in kgs):

April 2025 March 2025 April 2024

Total trade: 103,973 150,398 123,546

- China 17,355 10,000 36,541

- Emirates, Arab 5,119 3,688 1,639

- France 1,599 1,708 9,482

- Germany 2,325 2,783 1,095

- Hong Kong 6,144 1,282 7,710

- India 8,581 4,477 24,588

- Italy 2,056 2,617 5,837

- Saudi Arabia 4,019 3,207 6,801

- Thailand 10,445 863 7,770

- Turkey 12,076 6,651 9,907

- United Kingdom 13,270 5,032 5,459

- USA 12,721 103,285 485

* Source: Swiss customs. Data subject to revision.

(Reporting by Polina DevittEditing by David Goodman)

Key Takeaways

  • Swiss gold imports from the US reached record levels in April.
  • The increase follows the exclusion of US import tariffs on precious metals.
  • Switzerland is a major hub for bullion refining and transit.
  • Gold exports from Switzerland to the US dropped significantly in April.
  • Gold deliveries to India and China rose but were below last year's levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the amount of gold imported to Switzerland from the U.S. in April?
In April, Switzerland imported 63.0 metric tons of gold from the U.S., marking the highest monthly level since at least 2012.
How did total gold exports from Switzerland change in April?
Switzerland's total gold exports fell by 31% month on month in April, with deliveries to the U.S. dropping significantly.
What factors contributed to the increase in gold imports from the U.S.?
The increase in gold imports from the U.S. was attributed to the exclusion of precious metals from U.S. import tariffs.
Which countries saw an increase in gold imports from Switzerland?
Gold deliveries to traditional gold-consuming markets like India and China rose month on month in April, although they remained below last year's levels.
What was the trend in gold exports to the UK from Switzerland?
Exports of gold to the UK increased, indicating that gold was being sent back to London vaults via Swiss refineries.

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