Indonesia’s trade ministry reported that 7,431 tonnes of tin was cleared for export in February, down from 9,914 tonnes in January. The data is based on surveys carried out as part of its export licensing scheme, which has now been in operation just over a year.
Reuters reported that the latest trade ministry data showed Indonesia’s second-largest tin producer, PT Koba Tin, did not export in February. In a separate story it also reported that the country’s largest producer, PT Timah, is preparing to ship some 1,300 tonnes of refined tin today, having agreed with local police that it could move a barge containing tin ore which has been blocking the exit from its private port. Unloading of the ore has been prevented since 23 February, pending resolution of an investigation of documentation.
Meanwhile exports from Indonesia’s independent smelters may be picking up with the end of the monsoon season. Metal Bulletin reports that private smelters are planning a shipment of 140 containers of tin, equivalent to 3,500 tonnes, for the last week of March, according to its sources in Bangka. This is after 100 containers, equivalent to 2,500 tonnes, set sail last Thursday, they said.
