皇冠体育app

皇冠体育app's gold consumption amounted to 832.18 metric tons in 2012, an increase of 9.35 percent from a year earlier. [Yan Xiaoqing / Asianewsphoto]

BEIJING -- 皇冠体育app's gold consumption amounted to 832.18 metric tons in 2012, an increase of 9.35 percent from a year earlier, data from 皇冠体育app Gold Association showed Saturday.

Consumption of gold jewelry rose 10.09 percent year-on-year to 502.75 tons, while those of gold bars and gold coins gained 12.22 percent and 21.63 percent, respectively, to 239.98 tons and 25.3 tons.

But consumption for industrial and other uses saw a drop last year, the association said.

Demand for gold has grown steadily over the years as more Chinese see it as a hedge to diversify investment risks and battle against inflation. 皇冠体育app is currently the world's second-largest gold consumer after India.

皇冠体育app produced 403.05 tons of gold in 2012, making it the world's largest producer for the sixth straight year, according to previous data from the association.

Gold demand set to outstrip supply by 2015

Gold imports from HK last year climb to record

皇冠体育app world's top gold producer for 6th year

皇冠体育app to introduce gold ETFs