Chinese silver imports surged to an all-time high of 836 tons in March, Bloomberg reported Monday, citing Customs.

The haul compares with the country's 10-year seasonal average of 306 tons, Bloomberg said.

Investors piled into small silver bars as an alternative to expensive gold, while solar manufacturers frontloaded more silver ahead of the removal of export tax rebates on April 1, the report said.

Solar companies consume about 20% of silver annually, the report said.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)