Swiss gold exports to top markets China and India increased in September, while shipments to Turkey rose to the highest since April 2013, Swiss customs data showed on Thursday.

A decline in gold prices from more than $2,000 an ounce in March to around $1,650 has boosted demand for gold bars, coins and jewellery in Asia, where buyers typically take advantage of low prices.

Economic turbulence in Turkey has also encouraged buying of the metal, which is often seen by investors as a safe way to store more money. Switzerland is the world's biggest refining and transit hub for gold.

Following are data and comparisons. SWISS TRADE DATA (KG) EXPORT (kg) Sep-22 174,185 Aug-22 121,794 Sep-21 117,369 SHIPMENTS TO KEY MARKETS (KG) To China To Hong To India To Turkey Kong Sep-22 44,020 610 34,600 32,226 Aug-22 37,807 1,034 19,359 23,695 Sep-21 21,700 14,160 50,448 0 * Source: Swiss customs. Data subject to revision by source. (Reporting by Peter Hobson Editing by Mark Potter)