Chinese exports of refined tin fell from 4,538 tonnes in March to 3,167 tonnes in April, according to newly released customs figures. However the April figure was still 146% higher than in April 2006.
Exports in the first four months of the year amounted to 11,246 tonnes, roughly double the volume of January-April 2006, reflecting the fact that LME prices exceeded domestic prices at times between February and mid-April.
The China Non-ferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA) reported that national refined tin production rose by 18.2% year-on-year to 47,910 tonnes in January-April, with most of the extra production being exported rather than sold to the local market.
