SHANGHAI, Aug 9 (SMM) - Domestic refined tin output was 4,980 mt in July, down 51.91% on the month and 56.02% on the year, and the combined output from January to July fell by 9.40% on the year, according to SMM research. In July, the domestic refined tin output decreased significantly as expected.

The output declined mainly due to the intensive maintenance and suspension of smelters. In terms of regions: 1. The output of smelters in Yunnan declined sharply on the month. Some large-sized smelters in Yunnan suspended the production for one month, which led to the huge decline in the output. Meanwhile, the finished products produced by smelters that resumed earlier contributed to the major output. 2. The output of smelters in Guangxi fell on the month because some smelters reduced the production due to the tight raw material supply. It is expected that production may recover in August. 3. The output of smelters in Jiangxi changed little. The output of large-sized smelters was stable. Although some small-sized smelters had no finished product output in July, but the impact on the overall output was limited. 4. The total output of smelters in other regions decreased slightly month on month in July. In general, most smelters had no output in July, and the resumption time of a few smelters had indefinite timeline as of when to resume production.

In August, domestic mainstream smelters gradually resume the production after the maintenance and a small amount of finished products have flowed out. According to SMM research, it is expected that the output will increase significantly in mid-August after smelters resume the production. Recently, due to the tight raw material supply, the TCs fall obviously. Some smelters plan to produce less due to the expected decline in profits and the impact of tight raw materials. To sum up, SMM expects the domestic refined tin output will increase significantly to 14,250 mt in August.