Gold Slips More Than 1% as China Considers US Tariff Exemption

FILE PHOTO: Gold bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth//File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth//File Photo
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Gold Slips More Than 1% as China Considers US Tariff Exemption

FILE PHOTO: Gold bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth//File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth//File Photo

Gold prices lost more than 1% on Friday and were heading for a weekly fall on signals of a potential de-escalation in the US-China trade war, including news that China was weighing tariff exemptions for some US goods.

Spot gold fell 1.5% to $3,299.69 an ounce as of 0830 GMT. US gold futures shed 1.1% to $3,310.20.

"Gold is facing challenges in sustaining upward momentum as optimism around a potential US-China trade agreement grows," said Zain Vawda, an analyst at MarketPulse by OANDA.

The dollar jumped reversing losses from the prior day while European shares rose after a media report that China was weighing tariff exemptions for some US goods, stoking hopes for a de-escalation in a spiraling trade war between the world's two largest economies.

A higher dollar makes the bullion more expensive for overseas buyers.

"A US-China trade agreement could push gold down toward $3,000/oz or lower, depending on other influencing factors," Vawda said.

US President Donald Trump asserted that trade talks with China are underway, pushing back against Chinese claims that no discussions have taken place to ease the ongoing trade war.

Gold, traditionally seen as a hedge against geopolitical and economic uncertainties has gained nearly 26% so far this year. It also touched a record high of $3,500.05 on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Federal Reserve officials indicated they saw no urgency in revising the monetary policy as they sought more information to determine how the Trump administration's tariffs were affecting the economy.

Non-yielding bullion tends to thrive in a low interest rate environment.

"Now that the market's corrected it will be a good indicator if buying picks up in India," said Ross Norman, an independent analyst.

Spot silver fell 0.6% to $33.36 an ounce, platinum dropped 1.2% at $958.89 and palladium fell 1.6% to $938.78.

Silver was headed for a weekly gain while the other two metals were seen falling for the week.



Saudi Arabia Urges Global Action to Tackle Energy Poverty

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan speaks at the forum in Vienna on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan speaks at the forum in Vienna on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Urges Global Action to Tackle Energy Poverty

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan speaks at the forum in Vienna on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan speaks at the forum in Vienna on Tuesday. (SPA)

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan underscored on Tuesday the critical role of economic reforms in securing basic needs for individuals and communities to achieve prosperity and tackle developmental challenges.

Speaking at the opening session of the 2025 OPEC Fund for International Development Forum in Vienna, he highlighted the urgent need to address “energy poverty” affecting around 1.2 billion people worldwide.

Al-Jadaan emphasized that energy security is not a luxury, but a fundamental pillar for inclusive development and growth.

He warned that its absence disrupts vital sectors, such as healthcare, education, economic productivity, environmental sustainability, and even water extraction and food security.

The minister pointed to geopolitical tensions, market volatility, and rising global energy demand as pressing factors compelling nations to adopt strategic approaches to bolster energy security.

He called for diversifying energy sources, boosting investments in clean technologies, and embracing innovative financing solutions to accelerate energy access and support long-term sustainability.

Moreover, Al-Jadaan urged development banks to take effective action, outlining four key areas for focus. First, he stressed the need for multilateral development banks to support all energy sources impartially.

He cautioned against unrealistic emissions-cutting policies that exclude major energy sources, warning such moves could destabilize energy markets and disproportionately affect developing countries and communities.

Second, he highlighted the importance of concessional financing to speed up energy access in underserved regions.

He praised the World Bank-led “Mission 300” initiative aimed at providing energy to 300 million people in Africa, with significant contributions from partners including the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund for International Development.

Third, Al-Jadaan discussed lowering investment risks in the energy sector to attract private sector participation.

He pointed to tools such as partial risk guarantees, political risk insurance, and blended finance structures as vital in enhancing the financial viability of energy projects, especially in low-income, high-risk countries.

The fourth focus area called for increased investment in emerging energy technologies, including carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and more sustainable uses of hydrocarbons.

These efforts, he said, would bolster energy security while addressing carbon emissions in the transition toward net zero.

Al-Jadaan warned that the impacts of energy poverty transcend borders, fueling economic instability, increasing migration pressures, and raising humanitarian burdens worldwide.

He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to working with international partners to strengthen energy security and eradicate energy poverty alongside its climate change initiatives.

Furthermore, Al-Jadaan highlighted the Kingdom’s ambitious targets: generating 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, within a circular carbon economy framework.

Global cooperation is essential to achieving fair, sustainable development that benefits all, he stressed.