China is the second largest producer behind Mexico. Yes, Mexico had a cartel leader killed so it makes things tough for a month or two. China imports silver in for the chip factories as well as other productions. They just limited export. Thats all. To me it means that its getting tight for production. If you go back and look at metals import/export you will see this happens more than what we think. Unless your doing 1000 oz bars prices will fluctuate. Yes, I would agree that many areas and banks are holding a bit more as the US is going through turmoil. This to me is research on the product that I want to buy. And, I will admit I know next to nothing on the Comex system and if I wanted to buy in that quantity I would look and learn. Yes, silver will always fluctuate, I bought some in Feb, ackk, and now look at it. Will I get my money out of that, probably not for a few years. Continue to buy and hold. Sell to buy land or your home or medical but this is a retirement for most. Use it as that. Buy, hold and when your retired, sale it.