Russian precious metals exports to China almost doubled in the first half of the year, as record gold prices boost revenue. Chinese imports of Russian precious metal ores and concentrates, including gold and silver, jumped 80% to $1-billion from the same period a year earlier, according to data from Trade Data Monitor, which sources information from China’s customs office. Bullion prices have climbed about 28% this year, boosted by heightened geopolitical risks and trade tensions, alongside buying by central banks and exchange-traded funds. Russia, the world’s second-largest gold producer with annual output of more ... (full story)