On August 26, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) added silver to the draft of the “Critical Minerals List 2025.” Final confirmation could follow as early as the end of September. What may seem at first glance like a bureaucratic step carries far-reaching geopolitical implications: The United States is officially classifying silver as a strategic asset for national security.
This could mean export restrictions or additional costs for rivals such as China – and at a time when China is already the world’s largest consumer of silver (electronics, solar, electric mobility).
The logical consequence: Beijing must now import as much U.S. silver as possible while the door is still open. This narrow window of just weeks or months could dramatically shift trade flows and prices.
Supply at its Limit + Demand Exploding
Normally, commodity markets respond to rising prices with higher output. But the silver sector has suffered from decades of underinvestment. No new large-scale mines are on the horizon. Particularly critical: Mexico – the “Saudi Arabia of silver”, accounting for 25% of global production – is struggling with declining output.
This structural weakness meets a world that needs silver more than ever:
- Solar industry: Photovoltaics remain the single largest consumer.
- Electromobility and electronics: No modern energy or digital technology works without silver.
- Investor demand: According to the Silver Institute, around 95 million ounces flowed into exchange-traded products (ETPs) in just the first half of 2025 – more than in the entire previous year.
The result: A persistent market deficit for the fourth consecutive year. Physical inventories are melting away, while geopolitical uncertainties and inflation fears are driving additional capital into the metal.
Price Trends & Investor Sentiment
Historically, silver has tended to outperform gold in percentage terms during pronounced precious metal bull markets. The current price level therefore suggests that silver still has significant catch-up potential.
In addition, the gold-silver ratio remains elevated: A clear signal of undervaluation. Many experts expect a convergence toward the historical average (around 40:1), which would give silver substantial upside potential.
What does this Mean for Investors?
Silver is not only a commodity, but both an industrial and crisis metal – a dual role that makes it unique. Its new designation as a “critical mineral” in the U.S. further intensifies its geopolitical significance – and could turn the market faster than investors can react.
Opportunities for Private Investors with Elementum
- Entry from €100: With programs such as Argentum Premium or KinderSchatz, physical silver is accessible even to small budgets.
- Duty-free storage in Switzerland: Your bars remain exempt from VAT for the entire holding period and are stored in one of Europe’s most secure vaults.
- 100% ownership: You own physical silver – not a certificate.
- Flexibility: You decide at any time – sell partial amounts or your entire holdings conveniently back to Elementum, which transfers the proceeds directly to your bank account. Alternatively, you can swap your silver holdings into gold. This way you remain independent, liquid, and can adjust your strategy to market opportunities at any time.
- Family programs: With FamilienSchatz and KinderSchatz, you save across generations in tangible, lasting value.
Conclusion
Silver is evolving from the “forgotten precious metal” to a geopolitical hotspot. With its U.S. classification as a critical resource, the likelihood of trade restrictions is rising – and with it, the strategic importance of physical ownership.
In a market where supply stagnates but demand is surging, prices could rise sharply in a short period of time. Those who invest today not only hedge against inflation and crises but also participate in a historic realignment of global commodity markets.
Elementum offers the ideal framework for this: Physical, secure, and tax-free.
Now is the time to get informed – and be part of the global silver boom.
How can you buy precious metals cheaply and store them safely?
Elementum Deutschland GmbH, based in Sindelfingen (Germany), specializes in trading physical precious metals. Customers who purchase precious metals from Elementum Deutschland (or one of the other national Elementum companies in five European countries) can store them in the renowned high-security vaulting facilities in the St. Gotthard Massif in Switzerland at Elementum International AG.
Of course, you also have the option of purchasing gold and silver directly and having it delivered to your desired address. However, storing silver in the so-called open duty-free warehouse (“offenes Zollfreilager”) at St. Gotthard offers decisive tax advantages:
- The 19% value added tax customary in Germany is completely waived on purchases and sales – a considerable price advantage that effectively secures you 19% more silver for your money.
- If you store your silver in this high-security vault, you can sell it back to Elementum Deutschland GmbH at any time – without any bureaucratic hassle and also without VAT, as the trade takes place within the duty-free warehouse. You will receive the funds via bank wire.
- VAT is only payable when you physically remove the stored silver – either by picking it up in person (after prior notification) or by having it shipped to your address.
More silver, more return
Thanks to duty-free storage, you receive 19% more physical silver when you buy. This additional amount also participates in the performance of the silver price if it rises – a leverage effect that significantly improves your return opportunities.
Secure your storage space now – free of charge and without obligation
Register now for a storage space in the St. Gotthard high-security vaulting facility and receive free access to:
- our General Terms and Conditions (GTC)
- current fee tables
- annual audit reports from the auditing company BDO AG
- transparent proof of use of funds
- family discount information
- the popular children’s program “Schatz4Kids” (“Treasure4Kids”)
- as well as numerous other documents and information on storage, purchase, and resale, as well as the ratio “switching” strategy.
Register now: https://silberbar.elementum.de/
Tip for discounted entry: Enter the promotional code “50” (“Aktionscode“) and the “Vermittler” number 1000166 when registering to receive a 50% discount on the storage space setup fee.
Important: Registration is non-binding and does not commit you to anything – but it is your first step towards an independent and crisis-proof precious metal investment.
Elementum is a second-generation, owner-managed family business. Trust, consistency, and long-term thinking are at the heart of our philosophy. The Board of Directors of Elementum International AG is composed of internationally renowned experts in the money and precious metals markets, including economists, analysts, university professors, and precious metals specialists. This in-depth expertise forms the backbone of our actions—for your security, your assets, and your future.
About the Author
Stephan Bogner
CEO of Elementum International AG
Stephan Bogner, who holds a degree in business administration, studied economics at ISM Dortmund (Germany) and wrote the university’s first thesis on precious metals as a hedge against inflation. After studying in the UK and Australia and gaining professional experience in Dubai, he took over as CEO of Elementum International AG in Switzerland in 2012. His expertise in precious metals has had a significant impact on the company’s development.
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Disclaimer: This article does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell. Elementum International AG is a Swiss company that specializes exclusively in the storage of physical precious metals in a high-security vault facility located in the St. Gotthard mountain massif in Central Switzerland. The Board of Directors and Executive Management of Elementum International AG have been selected solely based on their professional expertise and long-standing experience in precious metals markets. As these individuals may also be professionally active outside their roles at Elementum International AG, the company has no influence over their external activities and respects their right to freedom of expression. Therefore, the views expressed by persons working with or for Elementum do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Elementum International AG. Investments in precious metals are subject to risks, including those specific to the structure of this market. Please read our full risk disclosures and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the author, Elementum International AG, nor Elementum Deutschland GmbH assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The cover picture has been obtained and licenced from Shutterstock.com.
