Environmental probes affect production at Zhejiang tin chemical producers in Jul

SHANGHAI, Jul 18 (SMM) – Demand for tin was affected after some producers of inorganic tin chemicals in Zhejiang province cut or suspended production from the start of July, SMM learned. 

A tin sulphate producer in Taizhou city told SMM that it ceased production from the start of July after it stopped procuring tin. Prior to this, it received over 200 mt of tin each month. It remains unclear when the producer can resume production.

Production at a producer of tin (IV) chloride anhydrous in Huzhou city has fallen from the start of July and it expected a 50% decline from June. As of Wednesday July 18, it has produced only some 30 mt in this month, compared to usual monthly output of some 100 mt.

SMM learned that a slump in orders accounted for this producer’s production cut as its clients from the pest control, pharmaceuticals, and stabiliser sectors were required to suspend production.

As the supply tightness of mercapto-ester eased, methyl tin mercaptide producers managed to avoid significant production cuts.

Chemicals producers that faced environmental woes, including sewage treatment and waste gas recovery, are often required to move to industrial parks that meet environmental standards. This takes some time and some small producers without sufficient funds for the entire process may wind up their businesses.