ITA China Tin Annual Report 2024

Driving tin market growth amid tightening supply

 

China – the world’s largest producer and consumer of refined tin – has seen a turbulent year, with supply disruptions facing up against growing demand. Our 58-slide deck contains comprehensive analysis of the resilience and potential of China’s tin market amidst unprecendent supply losses. Here, our analysts provide unique insights into the nuances of the industry, unavailable elsewhere, leveraging the International Tin Association’s position as the leading authority on tin statistics.

In 2024, despite compounding tightness in the international concentrate trade, China exhibited remarkable resilience, with refined tin production maintaining growth. Tin prices fluctuated in a wide range, enabling the economic extraction of tin from tailings and secondary materials. China’s domestic tin mines saw growth in production as technological optimisations saw improved recoveries.

Tin consumption continued it’s strong growth path, fueled by growth in PV and EV sectors and government stimulus. Mixed performance across the electronics industry was bolstered by rocketing production of solar cells and electric vehicle components, finely balancing weak real estate demand.

Looking to 2025, supply disruptions in Asia are beginning to fade while new disruptions elsewhere will likely see volatility continue. The outlook for international trade is uncertain with US-China relations deteriorating, and the impact on tin’s end uses appearing mixed. Domestic policies to drive economic growth could provide a boost to demand, but US trade policy will see an export-focused Chinese market struggle to maintain rapid growth seen in the past.

Our analysis of market events throughout 2024 and forecasts for 2025, covering mine production, refining, international trade, and demand dynamics offer a crucial understanding of China’s capacity for adaptability and resilience, shaping its trajectory for the future.

April 2025
Encrypted electronic pdf file
58 pages
Confidential
Organisational license, Two users

Non-members $5,000
ITA E&D Group Members $3,500
ITA Members $1,500

Report Contents

Executive Summary

Chapter 1: Tin Production in China
Tin concentrate production
– Yunnan Province
– Hunan Province
– Jiangxi Province
– Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
– Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
Refined tin production
– Quarterly trends
– Yunnan Province
– Jiangxi Province
– Hunan Province
– Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
– Other producing regions
– Secondary tin production

Chapter 2: Tin Consumption in China
– Quarterly trends
– Solder sector
– Chemicals sector
– Tinplate sector
– Lead-acid batteries sector
– Tin-copper alloys sector
– Other sectors

Chapter 3: China-RoW Tin Trade
Concentrate trade
– Imports from Myanmar
– Imports Africa and other regions
Refined tin trade
– Imports from Indonesia
– Imports from other regions
– Exports

Chapter 4: Market Balance in China 2024
– Prices
– Stocks and trading volumes
– Supply and demand position

Chapter 5: China Market Outlook 2025
– Policies to support growth
– Supply recovery faltering
– Uncertain market outlook

Appendix 1: China Tin Industry Overview
– An ancient tin heritage
– Modern shift in production dynamics
– Reserves position
– Regional production and governance
– Top 10 producers of refined tin
– China’s reliance on concentrate imports
– China’s demand sectors
– Changes to futures trading
– Secondary tin production
– Upcoming challenges

Appendix 2: Regulatory Framework and Policy Update
– Policy frameworks for non-ferrous metals
– Tin resource exploration for supply chain security
– Guidance on industry developments
– China’s new stimulus measures to boost economy
– Appliance replacement campaign helps stimulate demand
– Refined tin product quality
– Free trade restrictions
– Foreign trade, complete ban on import of solid waste
– Environmental protection