TIN: Major supply uncertainties in DR Congo and Myanmar

The LME 3-month tin contract closed at just over $31,300/t on Wednesday, with prices broadly stable over the past two weeks. Increased clarity on major supply uncertainties in DR Congo and Myanmar appears to have stabilised the market as Indonesian output returns to normal.

Visible stocks continue to decline, with no news on disruption to MSC’s smelter near Port Klang. Solder demand in China is weakening with the end of the government’s electronics trade-in policies, while demand from Japan and South Korea continues its recovery.

In recent weeks the tin market has faced severe opposing pressures from US trade policy and tin’s own supply-demand dynamics, but the 90-day US ‘reciprocal’ tariff reprieve has proven a moderating influence. Eyes remain fixed on the White House and Wa.