Global Gold Demand Rises 2 Percent in Q1 2026

Beijing (ANTARA) - Global gold demand rose 2 percent year-on-year to 1,231 tonnes in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, according to an industry report released on Wednesday (29 April).

Global demand for gold bars and coins surged 42 percent year-on-year to 474 tonnes, marking the second-highest quarter on record, with Asian investors snapping up gold investment products, according to the report issued by the World Gold Council (WGC).

According to the report, jewellery consumption stood at 300 tonnes, down 23 percent, but spending levels increased 31 percent, signalling continued positive sentiment towards gold jewellery.

Central banks continued to buy gold, with global gold reserves rising by 244 tonnes in Q1 this year, according to the WGC.

Gold demand for technology purposes rose slightly by 1 percent to 82 tonnes, largely driven by sustained growth in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, according to the report.

In this quarter, gold supply increased 2 percent to 1,231 tonnes, according to the report, which attributes the rise to moderate growth in mine production as well as a 5 percent increase in recycling.