International News
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones
Gemfields Group Limited has expressed strong support for the Zambian government’s decision to suspend the 15% export duty on precious gemstones and metals, a move expected to significantly boost the country’s emerald industry. The suspension, announced by Zambia’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, is effective immediately, meaning the duty will no longer apply to emeralds mined by Kagem Mining Limited. The company is majority-owned by Gemfields (75%) with the remaining 25% held by Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation.
Gemfields CEO, Sean Gilbertson, lauded the government’s swift action, stating, “We express our sincere thanks to President Hakainde Hichilema’s government for their prompt and impressive action in addressing the 15% export duty on precious gemstones. The Zambian emerald sector has experienced exceptional growth over the past 16 years and is now the world’s largest emerald exporter. This decision signals a clear commitment to fostering growth and job creation in Zambia, putting our industry back on track for continued success.”
International News
Democrats Win In Midterm Polls Could Significantly Lift Industrial Demand For Silver
World Gold Council Data Going Back To 1970 Show Gold Rising 62% Of The Time In The Six Months After A Midterm, With A Median Gain Of Just 2%,
· Midterm Election Snapshot: Americans are voting for 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats, and 36 governorships. Forecasters expect Democrats to win the House (~90% chance), while the Senate remains a toss-up driven by voter concerns over inflation, tariffs, and the Iran conflict.
· Government Gridlock: A Democratic House would constrain President Trump’s agenda, leading to potential gridlock over spending and taxes.
· Impact on Precious Metals: Election outcomes matter to gold and silver mainly through their impact on Treasury yields and the US dollar. Silver enters the vote under weaker pressure, while gold holds up better.
· Historical Pattern: Since 1970, gold rises 62% of the time in the 6 months following a midterm, with a median gain of 2%—though past patterns are not guaranteed to repeat in 2026.
· National Debt Factor: A full Democratic sweep (“blue sweep”) could focus trader attention on the $40.5 trillion national debt ($120,000 per US citizen), which could eventually boost investment demand for both metals.
· War & Geopolitics: Funding for the 250+ day conflict with Iran would face heavy resistance in a Democratic Congress. An earlier end to the conflict would help gold and silver regain their traditional safe-haven status.
· Industrial Boost for Silver: Democratic policies prioritizing social infrastructure and green energy legislation would significantly lift industrial demand for physical silver, potentially aiding its effort to break back above the historic $50 mark.
· Interest Rate Risks: Higher federal spending could widen deficits and weaken the dollar (bullish for metals), but higher real interest rates and elevated Treasury yields could weigh on gold more than silver.
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