Silver prices in Egypt declined by 4.6% last week, tracking a sharp global downturn of nearly 9% per ounce, according to a report by Safe Haven Hub. The sell-off followed a decision by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) to raise trading margins on precious metals contracts, prompting heavy liquidation in the final trading sessions of 2025. Despite the weekly decline, silver recorded exceptional gains over 2025, rising 145% locally and 148% globally.
Silver prices in the Egyptian market fell by 4.6% last week, with 999-grade silver dropping from EGP 131 to EGP 125 per gram, 925-grade to EGP 116, and 800-grade to EGP 100. The silver pound declined to EGP 928. Globally, silver lost around $7.27 per ounce, opening the week at $79.27 and closing near $72.
Despite this abrupt correction, silver started 2025 in Egypt at EGP 51 per gram for 999-grade, peaked at EGP 136, and closed at EGP 125. Internationally, prices opened at $29 per ounce, surged to a historic high of $84, and settled near $72 by year-end.
Safe Haven Hub attributed the correction to the CME's decision to raise margins twice within three days, shocking markets and triggering widespread selling after record highs. Analysts argue silver could play a more central role in the global financial system as a strategic asset, amid intensifying competition between Western and Eastern markets over commodities.
Global silver inventories face mounting pressure from robust industrial demand, with consumption reaching a record 680 million ounces in 2024. Solar energy alone consumes over 200 million ounces annually, expected to exceed 450 million by 2030. Secondary production from copper, lead, zinc, and gold mining accounts for 72% of supply, while inventories have remained stagnant for nearly 25 years. Analysts maintain a positive outlook for silver in 2026, supported by declining London inventories, inelastic solar demand, and strategic accumulation by major powers.