Platinum Market Faces Third Consecutive Deficit Forecasting 539 Koz in 2025
The platinum market is poised for its third consecutive deficit, with forecasts indicating a shortfall of 539 koz for 2025. This prediction follows a sustained period of high demand, particularly from the automotive and jewelry sectors, although supply continues to lag behind.
Demand for platinum is expected to remain strong, reaching an estimated 7,863 koz in 2025, despite a slight year-on-year decline of 1%. Additionally, total supply is projected to rise by only 1%, reaching 7,324 koz. This ongoing constraint in supply is primarily attributed to challenges in the mining industry and recycling processes, despite improvements being made.
Supply and Demand Dynamics
The World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) has highlighted these trends in its Platinum Quarterly report. For 2024, the market is already projected to face a deficit of 682 koz, with demand sustaining at approximately 7,951 koz compared to the previous year. The supply levels are minimal, reflecting the ongoing difficulties faced in the platinum production sector.
According to the report, while there was a 7% increase in supply in the third quarter of 2024, this was primarily due to stock releases from South Africa rather than a genuine uptick in mining output. In fact, by 2025, the global mined platinum supply is anticipated to decrease by 2% to 5,550 koz.
Automotive Sector Outlook
The automotive industry remains the largest consumer of platinum and is projected to experience a resurgence. Demand for automotive platinum is expected to hit an eight-year high, reaching 3,245 koz in 2025. This follows a period of adjustment as automakers pivot to production strategies that emphasize lower CO2 emissions, particularly through hybrid vehicles, which are inherently dependent on platinum.
Despite short-term dips in vehicle production and demand, automotive platinum is anticipated to recover due to stronger regulatory pressures and innovation within vehicle design. Automakers are increasingly turning to platinum as a substitute for palladium, anticipating that the shifting landscape could bolster demand for the precious metal in the coming years.
Jewelry and Industrial Sectors
In parallel with automotive demand, the jewelry sector is also showing signs of notable growth. In 2024, the global demand for platinum jewelry is forecasted to rise by 5%, attributed largely to increasing fabrication in India, which has seen a remarkable surge of 68% in recent quarters. Looking forward to 2025, demand in the jewelry space is expected to reach 1,983 koz.
However, the industrial sector could face a decline, with an expected 9% drop in demand due to tapering capacity expansions. Certain areas, like the medical and hydrogen sectors, are anticipated to continue exhibiting growth trajectories, yet overall industrial demand for platinum still faces potential contractions.
Investment Trends
On the investment side, 2025 may mark the third consecutive year of positive investment demand as investors seek to gain exposure to platinum within their portfolios. This is reflective of increasing public interest in precious metals as viable investment options, especially given the heightened awareness and availability of platinum through retailers such as Costco.
Given the complexities of the platinum market—ranging from supply chain limitations to shifting consumer patterns—investors and industry stakeholders are advised to closely monitor these evolving dynamics. As the market grapples with its supply constraints alongside enduring demand, experts suggest that platinum's diverse applications could continue to safeguard its value even amidst broader economic uncertainties.
Overall, as we approach 2025, the platinum market is positioned to reflect significant shifts in both supply and demand trends, ultimately challenging stakeholders to adapt to what could be a transformative year for the precious metal.