FX.co ★ Tin Rises Extends Increase

In August, tin futures surpassed $33,800 per tonne, marking a continued recovery since their sharp decline in April, driven by a decrease in supply that counterbalanced uncertain demand for base metals. Myanmar's Wa State resumed issuing tin mining quotas after a lengthy suspension, yet ore production remained sluggish. This slowdown was attributed to bottlenecks caused by the rainy season in the region, further aggravated by infrastructure damage from a severe earthquake. Additionally, operational setbacks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and reduced export permit issuances in Indonesia contributed to the supply constraints. Meanwhile, China's latest macroeconomic indicators, reflecting its status as the world's largest tin consumer, showed persistent weak demand for manufactured goods. Industrial production decelerated more than anticipated, and Purchasing Managers' Indexes (PMIs) indicated a decline in factory activity. The outlook remained subdued as Beijing did not signal direct consumer stimulus, although there will be subsidies for consumer loans.