Headline: China’s Gold ETF Inflows and Reserve Buildup Accelerate as Retail Demand Slows
China ramped up its exposure to gold in the first three quarters of 2025, with investors and the central bank adding to holdings even as household consumption cooled. The divergence underscores how institutional flows and reserve diversification are increasingly setting the tone for the gold market.
Domestic gold ETFs absorbed 79 tons between January and September, up 164% from the same period a year earlier, taking total holdings to 193.7 tons by the end of September. Robust ETF inflows point to sustained investor demand for portfolio hedges amid market volatility and shifting macro risks.
The People’s Bank of China extended its buying streak to 11 straight months through September, adding 23.95 tons over the period and lifting official gold reserves to 2,303.5 tons. The steady accumulation highlights ongoing diversification away from U.S. dollar assets against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and trade frictions—factors that have helped support bullion prices.
On the supply and demand side, national gold output edged higher by 3.6% year-on-year to 392.9 tons, with production from domestic raw materials up 1.4% to 271.8 tons. By contrast, China’s gold consumption fell 7.9% to 682.7 tons as jewelry demand softened and households remained cautious. Even so, the combination of institutional inflows, central-bank buying, and moderate production growth keeps China pivotal to global gold market dynamics despite weaker retail appetite.
Key Points – China’s gold ETFs added 79 tons in Jan–Sep 2025, a 164% year-on-year increase. – Total domestic ETF holdings reached 193.7 tons by the end of September. – The PBoC purchased gold for 11 consecutive months, adding 23.95 tons in the first three quarters. – Official gold reserves rose to 2,303.5 tons, signaling ongoing diversification from USD assets. – National gold output rose 3.6% to 392.9 tons, while consumption fell 7.9% to 682.7 tons. – Institutional inflows and central-bank buying are offsetting weaker retail demand and shaping global gold trends.
