Exclusive: China's refined tin output rose on a month-on-month basis in August

SHANGHAI, Sep 8 (SMM) — China's refined tin output rose on a month-on-month basis in August as a large-scale smelter recovered production from maintenance at the end of July.

SMM data showed that China produced 14,210 mt of refined tin in August, up 41.3% from July. Smelters output declined slightly as lower treatment charges (TCs) for tin ore narrowed profits of smelters, with some even facing the risk of making losses. Production enthusiasm was dampened, and some smelters plan to control output. A handful of smelters increased output slightly as a result of production across nearby tin mines.

SMM learned that mining operations and transportation were affected in Myanmar as the country experienced continued rainfall over the recent months. Ore imports from Myanmar are expected to decrease from August to October due to the domestic outbreak of Covid-19. However, tin ingot imports are likely to have minimal impact in the near term due to tin ore inventories in Myanmar.

China's refined tin output is expected to decrease slightly in September, reaching 14,000 mt.