LONDON: Switzerland’s net palladium exports in August hit their highest since April 2013, Swiss customs data showed on Thursday, as a jump in shipments of both raw and semi-manufactured metal from the country outstripped a smaller rise in imports. Raw palladium exports reached 2,988 kilograms, their second highest since July 2014, after topping three tonnes in June. The UK was the biggest recipient of exports, with shipments of nearly two tonnes. It was also the biggest recipient of semi-manufactured palladium from Switzerland, a major trading, vaulting and refining centre for precious metals.
Swiss raw platinum imports eased to a three-month low, meanwhile. SWISS PLATINUM IMPORTS/(EXPORTS) (KG)* Month Imports Imports Imports Exports Exports Exports Net imports (raw) (semi-manufactu (total) (raw) (semi-manufact (total) (exports) red) ured) Aug-17 532 324 856 780 242 1,022 -166 Jul-17 633 384 1,017 1,092 407 1,499 -482 Aug-16 1,321 274 1,595 258 311 569 1,026 SWISS PALLADIUM IMPORTS/(EXPORTS) (KG)* Month Imports Imports Imports Exports Exports Exports Net imports (raw) (semi-manufactu (total) (raw) (semi-manufact (total) (exports) red) ured) Aug-17 1,051 803 1,854 2,988 1,346 4,334 -2,480 Jul-17 803 157 960 1,155 257 1,412 -452 Aug-16 1,297 194 1,491 313 149 462 1,029.