Indonesian Exports Fall in March

BEIJING, Apr. 15 -- Indonesian trade ministry data released today shows that the tonnage of tin checked prior to export in March was 6,576 tonnes, 6% lower than in February and 41% down on the same month of 2009, during which an exceptionally large volume of 11,086 tonnes was passed for shipment. In the first quarter of last year shipments were boosted by a run-down of producer stocks carried over from 2008. The low March 2010 number reflects the extended monsoon season this year, which continued to restrict production throughout last month.

However improving weather conditions and firm tin prices are now boosting supplies. Four of the seven companies in the Bangka Belitung Timah Sejahtera (BBTS) private smelter consortium are now operating, up from two in March and total production by the group has increased by 40-60% as the rainy season comes to an end and ore supplies increase. Production in the last two weeks has reached 400-500 tpm, up from 280-300 tpm in January and February, director Johan Murod told Metal Bulletin.

Small-scale mining activity has also been stimulated by higher prices and a temporary relaxation of police activity against illegal operations as representatives from the Association of Traditional Miners (Astrada) and Bangka local government prepared to meet a government commission in Jakarta. "There was a compromise with the local Bangka police two weeks ago to temporarily halt the crackdown while we have talks with the national parliament on the ambiguity of mining laws," Murod said.