Official May trade data released this week shows China as once again a net importer of refined tin. However the slump in tin metal exports has been partly offset by a big jump in exports in other forms.
Refined tin exports in May were only 4.9 tonnes, 99.8% lower than in May last year. According to customs data this small shipment was bound for Estonia. Year-to-date exports amounted to 385 tonnes, down 97% on the same period of last year. Refined tin imports in May were 900 tonnes, bringing the first five months’ cumulative total to 4,566 tonnes, 120% higher than in January-May 2007.
The drop in refined tin exports reflects both reduced tin availability in China and the imposition of a 10% export duty from 1 January. The duty change possibly explains a recent surge in exports of tin semis and other products. Tin semis exports in May were 365 tonnes (up 54% on May 2007) while shipments of “other tin products” jumped to 1,322 tonnes. The total volume of exports of tin semis and other products in January-May was 5,096 tonnes, 74% higher than in the same period of last year.
