NEW YORK – In a move that has surprised the global gold industry, the U.S. government has begun imposing tariffs on imported 1kg gold bars, a decision poised to disrupt the international gold spot market. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officially classified 1kg and 100-ounce gold bars as subject to new tariffs on August 8, a departure from the industry's expectation of an exemption.

The impact of this decision is expected to be particularly severe for Switzerland, a global leader in gold refining. Swiss gold exports to the United States will now face a steep 39% reciprocal tariff, a major blow to a trade relationship where gold is a primary export commodity. Christoph Wild, president of a Swiss precious metals manufacturing and trading association, stated that the tariffs represent "another hit" to the gold trade between the two nations and warned of potential challenges in gold supply and demand.

The 1kg gold bar is the most widely traded format on the COMEX, the world's largest gold futures market in New York. Much of the gold exported from Switzerland to the U.S. is in this form. The tariffs could significantly alter supply chains and trading patterns, forcing market participants to adapt to a new, more costly reality.

This isn't the first time the specter of tariffs has influenced the gold market. Earlier this year, in anticipation of potential tariffs, gold traders engaged in a massive pre-emptive transfer of gold to the United States. This surge in imports led to a dramatic increase in gold inventory at the COMEX, while creating a temporary shortage in the rival London market, where brick-sized 400 troy ounce gold bars are the standard.

The news comes at a time when gold prices have already been on a meteoric rise. This year alone, gold prices have soared by 27%, reaching a high of $3,500 per troy ounce. Market analysts attribute this surge to a combination of factors, including growing concerns over inflation, the rapid increase in U.S. government debt, and a weakening U.S. dollar. The new tariffs introduce an additional layer of complexity to an already volatile market, leaving traders and refiners to navigate new economic headwinds.