China Gold Imports drop another 10% in June 2012

China Gold Imports have dropped another 10% from the previous month.

Although we see decreasing demand from China for gold, China says it will keep buying more this year as the precious metals market is set to grow throughout the second half of this year. Analysts say physical demand is still strong.

Chart 1: China gold imports from Hong Kong

Instead, China is buying more and more U.S. treasuries.

Chart 2: China U.S. treasury holdings

Capacity Utilization in June 2012 at 78.9%

Good news! The capacity utilization rate for the total industry in June 2012 came in at 78.9%, up from 78.7% a month ago (Chart 1).

Interestingly, the mining industry posted its biggest gain in capacity utilization. Mining had a capacity utilization of 89.4%, up from 89.0 % a month earlier.

So no worries, inflation is still in the game.

Chart 1: Capacity Utilization Rate