After a positive start in 2019, lower prices from June onwards triggered the announcement of cutbacks from major Chinese refined tin producers, which could total up to 20kt in 2019. This is likely to stabilise tin prices by the end of the year. Roskill’s near-term outlook is for tin prices to remain relatively flat. Prices are expected to average around the US$22,000/t level, which has been typical of the period since 2012.
Tin demand to increase >2% CAGR to 2029 for most applications
Most tin is used in applications considered to be “mature” – such as solders and tinplate. The solder sector has struggled in 2019, in large part because of market uncertainty linked to the USA-China trade dispute and lower shipments of consumer electronics. However, the fastest growing application for tin over the last few years has been in maintenance-free lead-acid batteries. Additionally, there is a potential demand increase tied to hi-tech applications.
W Resources Plc (LON:WRES) engages in the exploration and development of tungsten, tin, copper, and gold properties.