After a slight slowing in pace in April, Indonesian tin exports surged again in May, according to latest preliminary data released by the trade ministry today. The quantity of tin checked prior to shipment last month was 9,242 tonnes, up by 18% on the previous month and 17% compared to May last year. The cumulative amount checked in the first five months of this year was 43,900 tonnes, up 16.5% year-on-year.
Indonesian producers and traders are believed to be maximising production and running down stocks before new regulations on refined metal quality come into effect on 1 July. The new regulations, if strictly enforced, could potentially halt sales by small independent smelters that do not have the refining facilities to comply.
