Traders shift to air freight for gold and silver as U.S. tariff fears rise

Traders are increasingly flying gold and silver from London to New York in sealed boxes, responding to fears of imminent U.S. tariffs. This shift marks a significant change, as silver is usually shipped by sea due to its lower value. Since President Trump's election, U.S. silver futures have surged, prompting traders to expedite shipments before potential tariffs take effect. Nearly 14 million ounces of gold and 45 million ounces of silver have entered U.S. markets recently. The unusual air freight of silver and gold highlights disruptions in the commodities market. Traders are racing to secure metals amid uncertainty over tariffs, creating both opportunities and risks in the market.