Latest trade data released by China shows tin imports following a pattern similar to that of many metals and other commodities: tonnages have continued to decline from peaks reached a few months ago, but are still well above year-ago levels. Refined tin imports in August amounted to 1,637 tonnes, 23 % lower than in the previous month and only around a third of the peak level reached in April as a result of very favourable price arbitrage at the time. However the August total is still 137% higher than in August last year, while year-to-date imports, at 18,222 tonnes, have been 107% higher than in the corresponding period of 2008. Over half of total metal imports in January-August came from Indonesia (9,730 tonnes).
Tin concentrate imports were also above corresponding year-ago levels in August, rising 36% to 1,170 tonnes (gross weight). Surprisingly, the main source of imports last month was Thailand (528 tonnes). This total is greater than Thailand’s current annual mine production and is possibly an error. Other main sources of ore were Myanmar (395 tonnes) and Bolivia (213 tonnes). Year-to-date concentrate imports were 4,012 tonnes, down 30% year-on-year.
