Indonesian Exports Remain Low

SHANGHAI, Sep. 25 --The tonnage of tin checked for export prior to shipment by Indonesian trade ministry surveyors fell to 7,974 tonnes in August, down 5.6% compared to August 2009. The year-to date tonnage of 60,107 tonnes was 11.3% lower than in the first eight months of last year.

Earlier this week a trade ministry official told Bloomberg that total exports this year could fall to 80,000 tonnes, compared to 99,287 tonnes in 2009. Alberth Tubogu, export director for mining and industry products at the ministry said: “Some producers may use their inventory to increase sales now that the price is gaining but I doubt it will help much. I spoke with exporters last week and they said they don’t have a lot of tin in stockpiles, especially the small smelters, after heavy rain reduced ore supplies.”