China is the world's second largest producer of silver, after Mexico and ahead of Peru. It is introducing licensing for export of silver starting on 1 January

China is the world's second largest producer of silver, after Mexico and ahead of Peru. It is introducing licensing for export of silver starting on 1 January 2026. There is speculation that the new regulations will favor a few large companies, slow the flow of exports, and provide a mechanism for the government to impose explicit 'critical mineral' export controls on silver in the future.