Silver prices to fall by $4/toz by 2030, World Bank says (2024)

A recently published report on commodity markets published by the World Bank indicates that the recent decline in commodity prices for silver is likely to continue over the next 10-20 years. The looming trade dispute between the U.S. and China is impeding investor trust, as future outlook remains murky.

Marian Willuhn

The global demand for silver increased by 4%, from 5,768 million ounces in 2016 to 5,999 million last year, mainly due to climbing demand from the PV industry. Most manufacturers use solar cell architectures that require the use of a conductive silver paste, making commodity prices of silver a pressing issue in PV manufacturing.

According to the report, prices have been dropping steadily from a peak of $18.23/toz in 2016. This was a significant increase from 2015, when the metal was traded at $16.06/toz. Prices rose again to $17.49/toz in Q1 of 2017 but have since taken a continuous downwards trend. Q4 2017 closed at $16.69/toz and prices fell further to $16.47/toz in March 2018. The short-term price prediction for silver is set at $16.91/toz by the end of 2019, according to the World Bank.

The long-term prediction to 2030 forecasts a significant drop in the commodity’s price, reaching $13.42/tozby then. Until 2021, however, the commodity price will not change by a greater margin, if the report is to be believed. Closing at $16.45/toz in 2021, the more significant decline of silver prices comes only after that, with an indicated prediction of $15.04/toz in 2025.

It is noteworthy that the report makes a distinction between a nominal and a constant U.S. dollar accounting format. The latter was used to present the numbers in this report and uses the dollar’s value in 2010 as a benchmark.

While Mexico remains the global top producer of silver globally, with 5,397 metric tons in 2017, China takes the lead in fabrication with just over 6,000 metric tons. In recent years, China and the U.S. have gone head to head as the biggest consumers of silver, treading lead position year on year by small margins.

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Despite continued strong demand from the PV and electronics industries, investors are wary of a potentially looming trade dispute between the U.S. and Chinafurther reducing commodity prices. Improved production methods requiring reduced amounts of silver, or new technologies that manage to substitute the metal altogether have had a further downward impact on the commodity’s price. In support of that narrative, the indicative gold-to-silver price ratio rose to 80, from a 30-year average of 67, signifying considerable turbulence in the market.

The World Bank stresses in its report that the projection is subject to the effects of a changing value of the U.S dollar or changes in geopolitics. Therefore, clear predictions for the solar industry are hard to make.

This article was amended on 03/06/20 to reflect the World Bank stated global silver demand was 5,999 million oz in 2017, rather than 599 million as previously stated. Please note pv magazine, at this distance in time, has been unable to confirm the figure used in the report and has calculated the final ‘9’ digit based upon the statement the figure was a rise of around 4% from 2016’s 5,768 million oz.

This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.

Silver prices to fall by $4/toz by 2030, World Bank says (2024)

FAQs

What is the silver price forecast for 2030? ›

According to the latest long-term forecast, Silver price will hit $30 by the middle of 2024 and then $40 by the middle of 2026. Silver will rise to $50 within the year of 2027, $60 in 2029, $75 in 2030, $80 in 2031 and $90 in 2033.

What is the World Bank predicting about silver prices? ›

The World Bank's silver price forecast for 2023 saw the precious metal averaging $21 throughout the year, and staying constant at the same level throughout in 2024.

What will silver be worth if the economy collapses? ›

Historically, if the dollar falls in value, silver will rise in the marketplace. However, if the dollar completely collapses, the American currency will be worthless. This outcome will leave silver null and void. If no person or company buys silver, then the value of the metal will decrease as well.

Where will silver be in 10 years? ›

The price could grow within the range of 500%-2500% in ten years. We have a track record supporting this prediction; between 1970-1979, the price grew from $1.70 an ounce to about $50, a 3000% growth in 10 years. Another instance is the surprising move of the price of Silver from $5 to $30 an ounce (600%+).

Will silver ever reach $100 an ounce? ›

The fastest way that silver can get to $100 an ounce is if inflation hits double-digit levels in 2022 and 2023. In 2021, the year-over-year inflation rate is about 9.75%. This is the highest rate of inflation in 40 years.

What will silver price per ounce be in 2025? ›

Based on this chart our Silver price prediction 2025 is $120 per ounce. This chart was originally prepared in June 2019 and then updated in mid-February 2022.
...
Silver bull Market strategy.
DateSilver price forecast long term (USD)
May 2025$120
May 2026$230
May 2027$480
May 2028$1350
2 more rows

Will silver beat inflation? ›

Over very long periods of time, silver has historically served as an effective hedge against inflation. However, in any given year or decade, silver may not be the best way to protect your portfolio.

Is silver expected to skyrocket? ›

The year-to-date silver price average for 2023 (through to February 7) is more than 8 percent higher than the full year price average for 2022. Silver is also expected to achieve a new high in industrial applications, the most important category in the demand complex.

How high could silver prices go? ›

Silver prices could touch a 9-year high in 2023 — with a bigger upside than gold. Silver could hit a nine-year high of $30 per ounce this year and become a better performer than gold.

Will silver ever hit $1000 an ounce? ›

A 9:1 ratio has never been the standard for the gold to silver ratio and we don't expect that to change. In short, it is highly unlikely that the price of Silver will reach $1,000 per ounce. Silver is used more industrially than Gold and its price does not react the same way to economic events.

Will silver go down if stock market crashes? ›

In other words, we have historical precedence that silver could do well in a stock market crash if it is already in a bull market. Otherwise, it could struggle. The overall message from history is this: Odds are high that gold won't fall during a stock market crash, and in fact, it will likely rise instead.

How much silver does Warren Buffett own? ›

Investopedia contributors come from a range of backgrounds, and over 24 years there have been thousands of expert writers and editors who have contributed. Warren Buffett does not invest in gold. He has invested almost $1 billion in silver, so the reason for his aversion is not simply a dislike for precious metals.

How much silver should I own? ›

GuruFocus.com suggests an overall 10–20% allocation of precious metals, with silver making up a 30% share of that allocation if you're aiming to preserve wealth. “Silver and gold belong in every balanced portfolio. There's no magic percentage of silver and gold you should include,” GuruFocus.com advises.

What is the highest price of silver ever recorded? ›

Highest Ever Silver Prices in US Dollars, Sterling and Euros

The silver price record high was set on 18th January 1980 at $49.45 (£21.65) per troy ounce fuelled by Nelson Bunker Hunt's cornering of the market.

How much unmined silver is left? ›

The United States Geological Survey estimates there is still a total of 530,000 metric tonnes of silver below ground ready to be mined.

Has silver ever hit $50 dollars? ›

So, if the silver price does rise, how high will it go? Let's look at silver's recent history. The highest price for silver was just under US$50 in the 1970s, and it came close to that level again in 2011. The commodity's price uptick came on the back of very strong silver investment demand.

Will silver hit $30 dollars? ›

According to Nicky Shiels' bullish case, one ounce of silver should reach the price of $30 or more. Randy Smallwood, president of Wheaton Precious Metals, said that industrial demand will grow by more than 15% over the next five years. Particularly high will be demand from the automotive and electronics sectors.

Will silver always hold its value? ›

A store of value: Silver can hold its value and even gain over time, providing a way for investors to generate profits. Liquidity: Silver is generally a liquid market, and if you're buying certain kinds of silver assets, they're highly liquid.

What will silver price be in 2028? ›

Silver Price Prediction 2028

As per our silver (XAG) price prediction and forecast for 2028, the precious metal is projected to reach an average price of $64.89 by mid-2028. During the last six months of the year, its average price is projected to rise steadily to $69.02.

Is it better to invest in gold or silver? ›

Silver can be considered a good portfolio diversifier with moderately weak positive correlation to stocks, bonds and commodities. However, gold is considered a more powerful diversifier.

What is the best metal to invest in inflation? ›

Many investors consider gold to be the ultimate safe-haven hedge against inflation. It's been a store of value for thousands of years, and it has real-world uses in jewelry and electronics, which provides tangible value. And unlike fiat currencies, there is a relatively limited supply of gold.

Should I buy gold or silver 2023? ›

Silver could be a good option if you're considering investing a small amount of money, as it has more upside potential due to its industrial uses. On the other hand, if you plan to invest a larger sum, gold might be a better choice due to its scarcity and potential for higher gains.

What happens to silver when inflation rises? ›

Gold, Silver and other Precious Metals are not affected by inflation in the same way as food or personal services.

Why is silver crashing? ›

The silver spot price fell from $24 to $23 per ounce at the start of the 2022, as central banks combatted inflation by rapidly raising interest rates. Higher interest rates tend to be bearish for precious metals, as investors opt for interest-bearing savings accounts and other assets that generate guaranteed returns.

What is the best form of silver to buy? ›

For investment purposes, you should buy fine silver which has a purity standard of 99.9%, as the price of silver bullion is based on the precious metal content rather than a fluctuating spot price, or current market price, determined by a third party.

Will we run out of silver? ›

Silver Supply Can't Be Predicted with Certainty

The world may eventually run out of silver at some point, but this is also true of other precious metals like gold and platinum. However, it's not possible to accurately predict when this could happen with any degree of certainty.

Where is silver headed in 2023? ›

That's why we see silver easily moving to 28 USD in 2023 and moving to our first and longstanding bullish target of 34.70 USD. Our silver price forecast 2023 is 34.70 USD.

What silver dollar is worth $1 million dollars? ›

1803 Draped Bust Silver Dollar - This is one of the rarest and most valuable coins, and only four of them are known to exist. Each of these coins are worth around $1 million if they are in good condition.

How much was 1 oz of silver 1 year ago? ›

Select at least 2 investments to proceed.
...
Stats.
Value from Last Month21.98
Value from 1 Year Ago24.54
Change from 1 Year Ago1.89%
FrequencyMonthly
UnitUSD per Troy Ounce
4 more rows

Is silver worth more during a recession? ›

Silver prices plummeted again during the 1990s recession before a steady recovery that culminated in an all-time high reached in 2011, three years after the 2007-2008 Financial Crisis. Over the last five decades, silver has only outperformed the S&P 500 in three of eight recessions: 1973, 1981 and 2007.

Will silver go up in a depression? ›

Siver's ability to withstand inflation and periods of economic instability has rendered it a valuable commodity during periods of recession and depression. In other words, when paper money loses its value due to economic decline, silver's value will not only remain steady, but may actually increase.

Will gold and silver go up if the market crashes? ›

The problem is, during a stock market crash, practically all assets fall in value. However, gold and other precious metals nearly always rise, making them a better option than many other investments.

How much silver does Russia own? ›

More top silver countries by reserves

Russia — 45,000 MT. Mexico — 37,000 MT. Australia — 27,000 MT. Chile — 26,000 MT.

Who owns the most silver in the United States? ›

JP Morgan now holds 133.1 million ounces of physical silver and the world record for most silver held under one name. Today, it also owns 50% of the world's COMEX silver bullion.

Who buys the most silver in the world? ›

Among countries around the world, the United States is the top consumer of silver.

How much silver can you buy without reporting to IRS? ›

Similarly, for sales of silver bars and rounds to warrant reporting, each silver piece needs to possess a fineness of at least . 999 with a total purchase quantity of 1,000 troy ounces or more.

Should you own physical silver? ›

While silver can be volatile, the precious metal is also seen as a safe-haven asset, similar to its sister metal gold. Safe-haven investments can offer protection in times of uncertainty, and with tensions running high, they could be a good choice for those looking to preserve their wealth in difficult times.

Is 90% silver a good investment? ›

Older 90 Percent Silver Coins Are Worth at Least Their Face Value. All silver half-dollars, quarters, and dimes made between the 1830s and just prior to 1965 are, at a minimum, 90 percent silver. These coins are often referred to as “junk silver,” but they're hardly junk when it comes to their value.

Was there ever a time when silver was worth more than gold? ›

Silver was used to fashion beads as early as the Predynastic Period (ca. 4400–3100 B.C.) and remained important for personal ornaments and cult objects in Egypt through Roman times. Temple inscriptions suggest that for much of Egypt's history, silver was valued more highly than gold.

What will silver be worth in 2030? ›

According to the latest long-term forecast, Silver price will hit $30 by the end of 2024 and then $40 by the middle of 2026. Silver will rise to $50 within the year of 2028, $60 in 2029, $70 in 2030, $75 in 2031, $80 in 2032 and $90 in 2034.

What was the last year of 90% silver dollars? ›

Silver coins issued until 1964 were made with 90% silver content. These coins were Half Dollars, Quarters and Dimes as well as Silver Dollars until 1935. A Silver Dollar issued from 1935 or before contains . 7735 troy oz.

Will silver run out in 2028? ›

Analysts predict that at current rates, the earth could run out of economically mineable silver reserves by 2028, which could have significant implications for the market and economy.

What percentage of Americans own silver? ›

"12% of all Americans own gold, 14.7% own silver"

Will silver ever be rare? ›

There are only 3 billion ounces of silver in the world. That means there is less than half an ounce available for every human being on the planet. That would make the asset extremely rare and valuable. During these conditions, you would have to value silver in terms of what it could buy.

Can silver reach $1000? ›

A 9:1 ratio has never been the standard for the gold to silver ratio and we don't expect that to change. In short, it is highly unlikely that the price of Silver will reach $1,000 per ounce. Silver is used more industrially than Gold and its price does not react the same way to economic events.

Will silver be worth more than gold in the future? ›

Silver prices could touch a 9-year high in 2023 — with a bigger upside than gold. Silver could hit a nine-year high of $30 per ounce this year and become a better performer than gold.

Will silver go up in 5 years? ›

Gov Capital, another algorithm-based forecasting service, issued a silver price prediction stating that the metal would close out 2023 at a potential average of $27.895. The platform sees silver rising to an average of $57.534 by the end of December 2025, $80.471 by the end of 2026, and $97.648 by December 2027.

How high can silver go? ›

Silver supply is expected to rise by 4 percent in 2023 to a new high of 1.055 billion ounces, which will be a new high, fueled by higher mine output. Silver mine production is expected to rise by 5 percent in 2023 to 873 Moz, the highest level since 2016.

Can silver beat inflation? ›

Over very long periods of time, silver has historically served as an effective hedge against inflation. However, in any given year or decade, silver may not be the best way to protect your portfolio.

Will silver go up if dollar crashes? ›

One reason is because there's a limited supply of silver, meaning as demand increases if the dollar collapses, the value of silver will actually go up, since there's not an indefinite amount of silver left.

Is it smarter to buy gold or silver? ›

Silver is more volatile, cheaper and more tightly linked with the industrial economy. Gold is more expensive and better for diversifying your portfolio overall. Either or both may have a place in your portfolio. Arguably the best use for gold as an investment is to mitigate portfolio risk.

Will silver always be valuable? ›

Silver has, without a doubt, tended to appreciate in price over time and thereby preserve its value against inflation. Many in the financial industry refer to it as an “inflation hedge” for this reason.

Will silver go down in a recession? ›

During a recession, industrial production slows down. As a result, the demand for silver decreases. While silver does have a low correlation to stocks, it is thinly traded and volatile. It's certainly not a bad investment, but in the context of precious metals to invest in during a recession, silver loses out to gold.

What is the highest price silver has ever been? ›

Historically, Silver reached an all time high of 49.51 in April of 2011. Silver - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on May of 2023.

Has silver ever reached $50 an ounce? ›

The highest price for silver was just under US$50 in the 1970s, and it came close to that level again in 2011.

How rare is silver becoming? ›

To date, some 1.4 billion kg of silver has been mined throughout human history. However, silver corrodes, and just under half of that silver no longer exists as a metal. Of what has been mined, only 777 million kg still exists.

Where is silver going in 2023? ›

The price of silver will move to our first bullish target of 34.70 USD in 2023. We expect 48 USD soon after, not later than in 2024. Silver will move higher in 2023 because we expect the top in the US Dollar to be confirmed.

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