Silver's 2026 Volatility Persists in $70-$90 Range Despite Bullish Deficit

Silver endures choppy trading in a $70–$90/oz range amid 2026 volatility from speculative sell-offs and macro pressures, after January's $118/oz peak and plunge to ~$60/oz. Coverage kicked off with China's market stranglehold—70% of London-deliverable silver, May 1 sulfuric acid export ban on its 40% share, record 800-tonne March imports, and SHFE 22% margin hikes with 50% inventory surge—sparking tightness fears. Progressed to COMEX swings (72.5% rally then 49.7% drop), 67M oz supply deficit offsetting photovoltaic weakness, SLV's 132% surge to $70 despite 0.50% fees and 28% taxes, with latest analysis affirming medium-term bullishness on industrial demand.