Ore shortage lowers refined tin output by 1.27% in May

SHANGHAI, Jun 10 (SMM) – Production of refined tin in China shrank 1.27% on the month in May, standing at 13,734 mt, as a shortage of feedstock such as ore and waste materials cut output. 

Maintenance at some smelters in Jiangxi province affected local production in May. Those smelters have returned to normal production as of June 10, an SMM survey showed. Most domestic smelters maintained stable operation last month. 

Tin ore remained in tight supply as a drought in Myanmar suspended local concentrating mills. The upcoming rainy season in the South-east Asian country will also affect the delivery of tin ore. This may extend the supply tightness of feedstock and lower output of refined tin to 13,300 mt in June, SMM estimates.