General Administration of Customs: Import Window Closed, China's Refined Tin Imports Remained Low in September

According to China Customs statistics, China's refined tin imports in September 2025 stood at 1,269 mt, down 35.46% YoY and down 2.08% MoM. Total tin ingot imports from January to September 2025 reached 16,026 mt, up 32.95% YoY.

China exported 1,749 mt of refined tin in September, up 76.77% YoY and up 6.65% MoM. Total tin ingot exports from January to September 2025 amounted to 16,618 mt, up 37% YoY.

Net exports of refined tin in September were 480 mt, while cumulative net exports from January to September 2025 totaled 592 mt.

The import arbitrage window was largely closed in August. Most of the imports in this period came from unilateral futures positions previously taken by some traders on LME tin, with actual volumes being limited. The scheduled import volumes for September/October were not substantial, and some imported tin has already arrived in China.

Refined tin exports in September mainly originated from Processing with Imported Materials, with exports down 5.48% MoM. The primary destinations included the Netherlands, South Korea, India, Japan, and other countries and regions, with the majority being sent to major refined tin consumption areas.

Data source: General Administration of Customs

Data source: General Administration of Customs

Data source: General Administration of Customs