China's gold consumption rises in H1

China's gold consumption rose more than 16.37 percent year-on-year to 554.88 metric tons during the first half of the year, while output climbed 2.24 percent to 178.6 tons, according to the China Gold Association.

The consumption of gold jewelry in the world's largest consumer market of the precious metal increased 14.82 percent to 368.26 tons in the first six months of this year, the association said in a report on Tuesday.

As the economy has fully resumed normal operation and the national economy rebounded, the national gold consumption has generally shown a rapid recovery trend, it said.

The production of gold enterprises has returned to normal in the first half of this year, it said, adding that large enterprises were actively promoting mergers and acquisitions, which will further concentrate on high-quality gold resources.

zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn