China's gross platinum jewellery demand rose to a record 2.08 million ounces in 2009 due to its strong economic growth, but could weaken this year after a build up in stocks, Johnson Matthey said. China's passion for the metal pushed up global consumption for platinum jewellery to 3.01 million ounces in 2009, an increase of 950,000 ounces from the previous year.
The global jewellery sector surpassed autocatalysts as the metal's biggest user last year, but the outlook for China would largely depend on the price of platinum, which hovered near its highest level in almost two years. "In China, gross jewellery demand is likely to fall in 2010. Last year saw the industry build its stocks by at least 300,000 ounces."
China's gross platinum demand reached 1.06 million ounces in 2008, when a drop in prices at the end of that year encouraged retailers and wholesalers to rebuild stocks. China accounts for nearly 70 percent of global consumption for platinum jewellery.
Gross demand is equivalent to the sum of platinum jewellery, manufacturing volumes and any increases in unfabricated metal stocks within the industry, according to Johnson Matthey. "The narrowing price differential between gold and platinum also added platinum demand last year," JM said.
Platinum rose to a lifetime high of $2,290 an ounce in March 2008, when investors bought the metal on supply worries following a power crisis in main producer South Africa. The price has since slipped due to the global recession and falling autocatalyst demand from car makers. Cash platinum was around $1,700 an ounce, while bullion struck a record above $1,140.
While global demand for platinum jewellery soared last year, sister metal palladium saw gross demand falling 17.3 percent to 815,000 ounces in 2009, led by a 24.3 percent decline in consumption from the Chinese jewellery sector. In Europe, gross European jewellery sector demand rose 11.1 percent to 50,000 ounces in 2009. Gross palladium consumption in the Japanese jewellery market rose 5,000 ounces to 120,000 ounces. Palladium hovered around $534 an ounce, within sight of a two-year high hit recently.
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