Aluminium tariffs put pressure on tinplate market

Tin prices have fluctuated over the past week amid speculation about a potential restart of operations in Wa, Myanmar. The pace of mining resumption in Wa remains slow, with major operators at Man Maw reluctant to pay the higher licensing fees.

Strict government controls on the movement of equipment and personnel are also contributing to delays. As a result, meaningful increases in production and exports are not expected until July or August, keeping China’s feedstock supply tight.
Indonesian exports remain strong, rising 53% year-on-year in April. However, shipments to India may decline later this year due to new Indian regulations aimed at controlling the quality of tin imports. In contrast to Asia, Q1 trade data points to weak demand in Europe. The latest hike in US steel and aluminum tariffs is also expected to further pressure the European tinplate market.
It has been another busy week in the tin market, with renewed investor interest driving activity in the tin deal space.