The worldwide platinum market is expected to post a substantial deficit for the second consecutive year in 2024, owing to robust demand, notably in the jewelry sector. This information comes from the World Platinum Investment Council’s (WPIC) most recent Platinum Quarterly report.
This quarter, worldwide platinum jewelry demand topped 500 koz for the first time since Q4 ’21, representing a 5% year-on-year increase supported by the widening platinum-gold pricing differential. Platinum jewellery manufacture in India climbed 15% year on year, driven by robust exports to the United States, United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, while fabrication in Europe and China increased 7% and 5%, respectively.
While the total market is expected to have a shortfall of more than 1 million ounces, the jewelry industry is a bright light. Platinum jewellery consumption is predicted to increase by 7% year on year in 2024, hitting 1,994 koz, the highest level since the fourth quarter of 2021.
In India, jewellery fabrication is predicted to climb by 28%, while Japanese demand is expected to rise by 8% year on year to 365 koz, the highest level since 2019. Offtake in Europe is predicted to reach a new high in our time period, increasing by 4%. Meanwhile, demand in North America is expected to set a new record this year, increasing by 3%. Notably, fabrication in China is expected to increase by 3%, reversing a demand decrease that has continued since 2013.
The growing price difference between platinum and gold makes platinum a more appealing option for jewellery buyers.
India, a prominent player in the jewellery business, is seeing a spike in platinum jewellery production, driven by exports to key countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
This optimistic outlook for platinum jewelry comes within a challenging market environment. While demand remains strong, global supply is expected to fall by 1% in 2024. This decline is the result of cost-driven restructuring in South Africa, a major producer, as well as a slowdown in the platinum chemical industry.