China’s May gold imports hit 163 tonnes, highest since March 2024
A third straight month above 150 tonnes pushed China’s gold imports in the first five months of 2026 up 76% year over year to 692 tonnes.
Fact Check
Kitco News, citing Chinese customs data, confirms China imported ~163 tonnes of gold in May 2026—the largest monthly total since March 2024—and ~692 tonnes year-to-date through May, up 76% YoY. The 'third straight month above 150 tonnes' detail is consistent with Kitco noting April net imports of 157 tonnes. IndexBox and Canadian Mining Report independently report the same figures. All key elements of the claim are corroborated.
Summary
China imported 163 tonnes of gold in May, marking its largest monthly intake since March 2024 and extending a run of three consecutive months with imports above 150 tonnes. The sustained buying lifted total gold imports for the first five months of 2026 to 692 tonnes, up 76% year over year. The figures point to continued strength in Chinese gold demand, a closely watched driver of the global bullion market.
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