Global Tin Output Is Expected to Increase 4% YoY in 2022

SHANGHAI, Feb 23 (SMM) – Most tin smelters across the world, including many in the top ten smelters, resumed normal production from the pandemic in 2021.

Yunnan Tin Group remains the world's largest refined tin producer, while other enterprises such as Empresa Metalurgica Vinto have re-entered the top 10 list. The output of MSC declined significantly on the year in 2021 due to the strict COVID-19 related control by the Malaysian government. The global refined tin output is estimated at 378,400 mt in 2021, up 11% from 2020.

In 2021, the top 10 tin producing companies produced 59% of all the tin in the world, while the proportion was 67% in 2020. The decline in the total output of the top 10 producers can be partly attributed to the reduction in MSC production. At the same time, PT Timah's output fell for the second consecutive year.

In China, most smelters resumed normal production in 2021. China’s imports of tin concentrates from Myanmar has declined, and some smelters have turned to import the concentrates from other regions such as Central Africa. The production in South America recovered quickly from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with all smelters surveyed reporting increased production.

The global output of refined tin is expected to increase further by 4% on the year in 2022.