As part of the wider steel industry crisis on overcapacity, tinplate mills are engaged in a series of restructuring moves to handle the impact of trade challenges.
Steelmaker Arcelor Mittal has agreed with the European Commission to divest four of its mills as part of its acquisition of Italian steel and tinplate producer Ilva, including a tinplate line in Belgium. Arcelor, the world’s largest steelmaker, reported a 25% decline in net income for the quarter ended September.
The EU has launched an in-depth probe into the recent Tata-ThyssenKrupp merger, supposed to report by the end of October.
Malaysia tinplate producer Perstima plans to set up new tinplate production in the Philippines, where there is currently no local supply.
China export VAT rebate on metal packaging, including tinplate, has been adjusted higher from November to further encourage exports, with steady tin use expected in the next few months. US tariffs are unlikely to impact China production, with US tinplate exports at only 3%. However there is disruption in the US tinplate market, with imports falling 12% in August and leading canmakers such as Independent Can dealing with delivery delays and quality flaws.
