Gold futures retreated from record highs Friday after the White House signaled it would move to clarify confusion over whether U.S. tariffs apply to imported gold bars, calming a rally fueled by earlier reports of new restrictions.
The pullback came after a senior White House official told CNBC the administration will issue an executive order “in the near future” to address what it described as “misinformation” about the treatment of gold bars and other specialty products under recent trade measures.
Gold for December delivery briefly touched an all-time closing high of $3,491.30 per ounce before slipping to $3,463.30 in late trading on the news. Spot gold also eased but remained on track for its second consecutive weekly gain, supported by broader market optimism over potential U.S. interest rate cuts.
Market jitters began earlier in the day after the Swiss Precious Metals Association said U.S. Customs and Border Protection had indicated that 1-kilogram and 100-ounce gold cast bars were not excluded from the 39% tariffs recently imposed on Swiss exports. Switzerland is the world’s largest gold refiner, processing bullion that moves through the global financial system and serves as a key supplier to U.S. markets.
Christoph Wild, president of the Swiss Precious Metals Association, warned that such tariffs could disrupt the international flow of physical gold and complicate trade with the United States, which he called a “long-standing and historical partner” for Switzerland.
The association also noted the CBP’s clarification appeared to apply broadly, not only to Switzerland but to imports of those bar sizes from any country. That raised questions about the potential scope of the tariffs, which could affect bullion flows from other refining hubs as well.
The uncertainty briefly lit a fire under gold futures, as traders weighed the possibility of higher costs for physical delivery and tighter supply chains. Investors often turn to gold during geopolitical or trade-related turbulence, and the mere prospect of import restrictions can drive prices higher in the short term.
President Donald Trump’s administration has already levied sweeping tariffs on a range of Swiss goods this year, citing trade imbalances and what it says are unfair competitive practices. The gold bar question emerged as a flashpoint this week, underscoring how commodity markets can be caught in the crossfire of broader trade disputes.
Analysts say the White House clarification could help temper volatility, though the path forward for bullion prices will still hinge on multiple factors — including the Federal Reserve’s policy trajectory, inflation expectations, and global risk sentiment.
“Gold remains in a structurally bullish environment,” said one commodities strategist. “But if the White House makes it clear that bullion imports won’t face steep tariffs, some of the recent froth in prices could dissipate.”
Even after Friday’s dip, gold is up sharply for the year as investors hedge against currency fluctuations, equity market risks, and a shifting macroeconomic backdrop. Traders will be watching closely for the promised executive order, which could arrive within days and help determine whether the latest rally has room to run or is due for a deeper correction.
