Official customs figures released today show that China imported 843 tonnes of refined tin in January, down by 38% compared to January 2008, but higher than the 527 tonnes imported in December. The main origins of tin imported last month were Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Korea. Exports of tin and alloy remained low, at only 35 tonnes in January, 88% down on January 2008. Almost all the exported metal went to Japan.
January imports of tin concentrate rose by 2% to 979 tonnes, with the main origins identified as Australia (576 tonnes) and Bolivia (385 tonnes). The jump in imports from Australia from previously negligible levels may reflect the start-up of a low grade (20 – 35% Sn) concentrate circuit at the Renison mine in Tasmania, which owners Metals X announced as a measure to improve recoveries and reduce costs in its last quarterly report.
