According to @w_thejazz, China has transformed silver into a strategic commodity by limiting exports to only 44 state-backed firms starting January 2026. This policy shift aims to create a global chokepoint, moving beyond market manipulation to prioritize national control. While paper markets like COMEX continue to manage margins, physical silver is experiencing significant premiums, with some buyers paying up to 30% above market price. This development positions the #SilverSqueeze as a critical issue with both financial and geopolitical implications.