– Platinum market to move into deficit in 2019 following a surge in investment buying
– Automotive demand set to rise due to increased use of platinum catalysts on trucks
After recording surpluses in 2017-18 the platinum market will move back into deficit this year, according to forecasts published in Johnson Matthey’s latest Pgm Market Report.
A surge in investment buying and higher automotive consumption will underpin a nine percent gain in gross platinum demand in 2019, offsetting weakness in the Chinese platinum jewellery market, where platinum faces increased competition from karat gold jewellery.
Automotive demand for platinum will rise by three percent this year, due to greater platinum use on trucks. In China, platinum consumption on heavy duty vehicles will increase sharply, with strict China VI emissions legislation due to be implemented in some provinces and cities starting in July 2019. The new regulations will apply nationwide from July 2020, while India will also introduce strict emissions regulations for trucks next year.
South African platinum supplies have been flat for several years but could rise slightly in 2019, if producers can clear processing backlogs. However, there is some downside risk due to the potential for disruption from electricity shortages or strikes.
Alison Cowley, Principal Analyst at Johnson Matthey plc,
