Developments in the tin industry

Tin prices have remained strong, averaging above $35,500 t in July. Dwindling LME stocks, bullish investor positioning, and a tight concentrate market, especially in China, have supported prices.

However, tin dipped 1.5% yesterday to close at LME 3-month $32,799 on news that mining permits in Wa, Myanmar have finally been issued. This comes on top of the recent easing of major supply disruptions in the DR Congo and Indonesia, where export strength is expected to hold steady.
Market attention has partially shifted back to trade and tariffs, driven by the August 1 deadline for US trade talks and, notably, the announcement of a planned 50% Section 232 tariff on copper.

Tin is also under scrutiny, as it falls within the scope of an ongoing Section 232 investigation into critical minerals. Imports of refined tin into the US are already nearly double compared to the same period last year
Easing supply pressures and potential tariff headwinds are emerging as key dynamics heading into the second half of the year.