Silver (Ag)
Silver serves a dual role as both an industrial metal and a monetary asset. Industrial demand (solar panels, electronics, medical applications) accounts for over 50% of consumption. LBMA Good Delivery bars are 999+ fineness and weigh approximately 1,000 troy ounces.
Silver (Ag) at a Glance
What Moves Silver (Ag) Pricing
Silver prices off the LBMA Silver Price (London auction) and COMEX active futures. Industrial demand (~50% of consumption) drives silver more than gold — solar PV (silver paste in cells) is now the largest single demand source, followed by electronics and EVs. Investment demand cycles drive 100 troy oz bars and 1,000 oz Good Delivery bars. The gold-silver ratio (currently 80-90:1) is a closely-watched mean-reversion signal.
How Silver (Ag) Cargoes Are Priced and Settled
Good Delivery bars are 1,000 troy oz, 99.9% min. Industrial trade in granules and shot for solar paste manufacturing. Pricing is per troy ounce London Fix or COMEX. Most physical silver investment moves through 100 oz and kilobar formats, with retail premiums substantially above spot.
Silver (Ag) Specifications and Dispute Practice
Refiner accreditation and bar lot quality are the main concerns. Industrial silver buyers (solar, electronics) often spec 99.99% or better, with specific impurity limits on lead, copper, and selenium relevant to their processes.
Where Silver (Ag) Comes From and Where It Goes
Top mine producers: Mexico, Peru, China, Russia, Poland, Chile, Australia, US. Mexico alone produces ~20% of mined silver. Top consumers: China (solar manufacturing), India (jewelry and bars), US (industrial and investment). Solar industry concentration in China makes Chinese silver paste demand the dominant marginal driver since 2020.
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