Core Viewpoint - The tin market is currently experiencing supply tightness due to various factors, including the suspension of mining in Myanmar and geopolitical tensions affecting production in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The market is sensitive to any supply-related news, which can lead to significant price fluctuations. Supply Situation - The tin supply has been under pressure since the suspension of mining in Myanmar on August 1, 2023, leading to a tight global supply situation. The import volume of tin ore to China has sharply declined since the second quarter of last year due to depleting inventories [1][3] - The Alphamin Bisie mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is a significant source of tin for China, has faced production interruptions due to local conflicts, resulting in a supply gap of approximately 2,000 to 3,000 tons [3][4] - The processing fees for tin concentrate in China are at historical lows, indicating severe profit margin pressures for smelting companies [4][6] Production and Processing Challenges - The production of refined tin in China has decreased by 2.37% month-on-month and 11.24% year-on-year as of May 2025, with smelting plants operating at reduced capacity due to raw material shortages [6][7] - The operating rate of smelting enterprises in key tin-producing provinces like Yunnan and Jiangxi remains low, with some companies entering seasonal maintenance or production cuts due to raw material shortages and cost pressures [6][7] Demand Dynamics - The demand for tin is expected to face challenges as the market enters a seasonal slowdown, with potential declines in consumption in the second half of the year [8][13] - The semiconductor industry, which has been a significant driver of tin demand, is experiencing cyclical changes, with sales expected to slow down after a peak in late 2024 [9][13] - The solar energy sector has seen increased demand for tin solder, but the growth rate may slow down after the implementation of new market rules for distributed solar projects [11][12] Future Outlook - The tin market is anticipated to remain slightly tight in the short term, with limited increases in supply expected in June. However, the situation may improve as the supply from African mines and the resumption of mining in Myanmar are monitored [7][13] - Long-term demand for tin may see an uptick if the AI industry continues to grow, potentially leading to a mismatch between supply growth and demand resilience [13]
锡矿供应预期改善，沪锡支撑难觅？
Wen Hua Cai Jing·2025-06-03 12:19