Japan’s tin imports fell by 38% year-on-year to 15,181 tonnes in January-September. The drop was mainly due to very poor consumption in the first 4 – 5 months of the year, although imports in September were also very low, at 1,462 tonnes, down 48% on the same month of last year. However this latest dip may reflect supply factors, as shipments from Indonesia were substantially reduced. Indonesia accounted for almost 64% of Japan’s total imports in the year to date, while Thailand contributed 24% and Malaysia 9%, according to an analysis by Mitsubishi Corporation Unimetals.
Suppliers and consumers report that tin demand in the fourth quarter is quite healthy, due to the seasonal peak in consumer electronics and a rebound in exports of such products to China and other parts of Asia. Tinplate exports to SE Asia are also healthy.
