World Silver Association: Global Silver Market Will Supply Shortfall for Sixth Consecutive Year Odaily Planet Daily News: The World Silver Association maintains its previous view in its annual outlook released on Wednesday that the global silver market will experience supply shortages for the sixth consecutive year. The report indicates that the supply gap is expected to widen by 15% to 46.3 million troy ounces in 2026. Despite an 18% increase in demand for silver bars and coins, demand for industrial, photography, jewelry, and silverware has declined, with total consumption expected to decrease by 2%. The supply is expected to decrease by 2%, mainly due to a slight decrease in mineral resources and a reduction in hedging, but partially offset by a 7% increase in recycling. The report states that despite the shadow cast by the Iran war on the short-term price outlook, there is still a "constructive view" on silver for the remainder of 2026. The association expects the Middle East conflict to be under control, and tightening monetary policy to curb energy inflation will be temporary. Even if the war continues, concerns about weak growth and fiscal constraints may lower real bond yields, thereby boosting interest free precious metals such as silver and gold. The report states, "The recovery of hedging demand with cyclical market clearing should reignite interest in gold and silver