Silver Prices Remained in the Doldrums; the Downward Trend in Spot Market Premiums Was Unchanged [SMM Daily Review]

Published: Mar 4, 2026 11:40

Save

In the short term, a stronger US dollar weighed on precious metals prices. Silver prices remained in the doldrums today; the spot-futures price spread between TD and the most-traded SHFE silver contract narrowed, and spot premiums still showed signs of further declines. In Shanghai, suppliers of national-standard silver ingots lowered their premiums over TD to quotes of 900-1,100 yuan/kg, but mainstream bulk deals were concentrated at TD+900-1,000 yuan/kg. High-premium quotes saw only small volumes of less than 1 mt, yet trading volume remained moderate. In some regions, cargoes self-picked up from production site at smelters were quoted at premiums of 850-1,000 yuan/kg over TD and were concluded on rigid demand. Quoted prices for silver ingots in the market still varied significantly, with large differences across different deal sizes and brands. After silver prices weakened, downstream buyers feared further declines and purchased cautiously, staying on the sidelines; deals were generally concluded after negotiating and adjusting prices with suppliers, and market trading turned slightly quieter.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Common.Time.minsAgo

Gold often soars during crises. Not this time — so what’s going on?

The Iran war continues to roil global markets, but gold isn’t shining so brightly right now even though many have long considered it a safe haven during a crisis.

Common.Time.minsAgo

Johnson Matthey and BASF North America Implemented Multiple Measures to Increase Production of High-Purity Platinum and Palladium

Johnson Matthey, in North America (e.g., refineries in Michigan and New Jersey), increased the yield and throughput of high-purity platinum and palladium (purity of 99.99%+) by optimizing solvent extraction and electrolysis purification processes and upgrading automation, in order to address the tight supply of raw materials from South Africa and Russia. BASF, in North America (e.g., sites in Michigan and Ohio), focused on improving the efficiency of secondary refining of platinum and palladium as well as catalyst regeneration, while expanding capacity for high-purity platinum and palladium salts and sponge, in order to offset the impact of restricted imports of Russian platinum group metals (PGMs) and production cuts at South African mines.

Common.Time.minsAgo

WPIC: The Global Platinum Market Will Remain in Deficit for a Fourth Consecutive Year in 2026

The latest report released by WPIC on March 4 showed that by 2026, the global platinum market would face a deficit for the fourth consecutive year, with a shortfall of 240,000 troy ounces (about 7 mt). Current above-ground stocks could meet just over four months of market demand. In terms of supply, mine supply remained stable (173 mt), while recycling volume rose 10% to 57 mt; with no major new mines coming on stream, supply elasticity was extremely low. Demand side, industrial demand rebounded 11%, investment demand surged 35% to 23 mt (a new record), while demand in the automotive and jewelry sectors edged down slightly.

Common.Time.minsAgo