SHANGHAI, Mar. 4 (SMM) – Data from China Customs showed that China’s refined tin imports in January were 2,350 mt, up 23.2% MoM and 45.5% YoY.

The RMB 30,000 mt price gap between domestic and foreign market in January undermined buying interest of importers. However, the import volume continued growing. SMM believe the increase in tin imports should be attributable to limited supply and high prices for domestic raw materials. Smelters reflected their output in 2013 will be largely influenced by raw materials and tin prices this year.