President Trump is very Disappointed. Manic Metals Report 07/28/2025

One thing the world realized is that you don’t want to get President Donald J Trump disappointed in you.
President Trump expressed disappointment with Vladimir Putin and hinted at possibly shortening the 50-day deadline for a ceasefire with Ukraine, which is affecting metals markets, especially platinum and palladium. Trump said that I’m very disappointed in Russian President Putin, I’m reducing the 50 days I gave him.

The Wall Street Journal reported that ‘President Trump said  “I’m going to reduce that 50 days that I gave him to a lesser number,” Trump said in Scotland on Monday ahead of a meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Trump expressed frustration with Putin. “We thought we had that settled numerous times,” he said, adding he was “very disappointed” with the Russian leader. “And then President Putin goes out and starts launching rockets into some city…bodies lying all over the street.”

The comment pushed platinum and palladium higher, may increase gold’s risk premium, but could negatively impact copper.

Remember President Trump threatened massive 100-500% tariffs on their exports or anyone cozying up to Moscow.

This isn’t just talk—it’s a signal to Putin: negotiate on Ukraine or feel the economic heat. Even if these tariffs don’t hit right away, the mere threat’s enough to rattle markets.
In 2022, palladium prices soared above $3,400 per ounce due to concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In 2024, when the G7 and former President Joe Biden thought about putting sanctions on Russian palladium exports, prices jumped by 9.5%. It’s interesting to see how global events can have such a quick effect!
Investors are already jittery, bidding up commodities like palladium, and you can bet other markets will be feeling the ripple. For example, in October 2024, palladium prices surged up to 9.5% after the Biden administration discussed sanctions on Russian palladium exports with G7 nations.

When it comes to the metal markets, there’s no denying Russia’s outsized role in platinum and palladium production. Just consider that MMC Norilsk Nickel, a major Russian company, is behind about 40% of the world’s palladium and roughly 10–15% of its platinum. So, whenever the U.S. or the G7 even mention the word “sanctions,” traders in the market immediately get nervous about supplies tightening up. That’s why any hint of restrictions can send prices soaring and set off waves of concern about where the next shipment will come from.

Platinum and palladium are critical not only to advance the AI revolution but for industries like automotive (catalytic converters), electronics, and aerospace. With limited alternative sources—South Africa and North America being the other main producers—markets react quickly to potential disruptions. Analysts note that other producers can’t easily fill the gap if Russian supply is cut.

When London banned Russian refiners in 2022, Russia redirected its exports to China. In 2025, after the United States initiated a sanctions effort led by Trump, Congress limited further actions, resulting in stabilized prices. If alternative suppliers increase production or Russia employs alternative methods for distribution (such as the use of “dark fleet” shipping), the market may reach equilibrium.
Here’s the kicker: gold might get a boost, too. Whenever geopolitical risk flares up—be it sanctions, war, or political drama—investors often run to gold as a haven. So, if Russia’s metals are in jeopardy and uncertainty is on the rise, don’t be surprised if the yellow metal shines a little brighter.
And here’s the fun part: gold could be in for a little shine-up, too! Whenever global tensions heat up—whether it’s sanctions, conflict, or political uncertainty, investors tend to flock to gold as a safe haven. So if there’s trouble with Russia’s metals and people are feeling uneasy, don’t be surprised if the price of gold gets a nice boost.

Although recent developments may be disappointing, significant resistance is evident in the options market to keeping silver below $40. There is growing speculation that, following the expiration of end-of-month options, renewed buying interest could emerge in the silver market. Consequently, we may observe a swift upward adjustment later in the week once the influence of option activity diminishes.

Kitco Metals reported China’s gold consumption fell 3.54% in the first half of 2025, according to the latest data from the China Gold Association (CGA).

Gold consumption in China reached 505.21 tonnes, according to the CGA. Jewelry demand fell 26% year-on-year to 199.83 tonnes, while gold bar and coin purchases jumped 23.69% to 264.24 tonnes. Industrial and other uses increased by 2.59% to 41.14 tonnes. The CGA data is consistent with World Gold Council figures, which also note record-high Shanghai Benchmark Gold Prices and ETF inflows despite a weaker jewelry market. Withdrawals from the Shanghai Gold Exchange dropped 18% to 678 tonnes, 22% below the ten-year average.

They noted that jewelry demand declined due to higher gold prices, cautious spending, and industry consolidation.

However, this was partly balanced by strong investment demand, as rising gold prices and safe-haven interest—especially during heightened US-China trade tensions—boosted bar and coin sales. In June, momentum in bar and coin investment slowed as investors held back.Contact me with any metal’s questions. You can sign up for the popular Phil Flynn daily trade levels, covering all major commodities, or subscribe to my daily energy report. To open an account, call 888-2645 665 or email pflynn@pricegroup.com. Also, watch Fox Business Network for updates.