The ITA’s 14th annual survey of tin users gathered data from tin users worldwide between June and August 2018, showing robust growth of 4% in 2017 but much weaker tin use growth forecasts in 2018. Tin use growth in China has stalled though elsewhere the picture is more positive. A total of 109 companies took part; accounting for some 38% of estimated global refined tin use.
ITA analyst Tom Mulqueen commented: “We believe the tin use outlook is weaker for 2018 due to a combination of factors including escalating trade tensions and macroeconomic developments, especially in China where other factors are hindering growth. However in other regions growth looks more positive, notably in solder”
The following are some key headline findings from this report.
ITA’s latest estimate of refined tin use in 2017 is 362,500 t, based on data from the 2018 survey and trade data. The figure is 7,000 t higher than the preliminary 2017 estimate made following last year’s survey. Refined tin demand reported by survey participants increased by 4% from 2016, in line with our recent global estimates. The survey suggests similar growth is anticipated in 2018, but ITA believes that global tin demand will grow by just 1%, with a contraction in tin demand in China offset by growth elsewhere.
Pipeline refined tin stocks held by surveyed companies at the end 2017 amounted to the equivalent of 3.27 weeks’ supply. If this ratio is extrapolated based on global consumption it would imply that world consumer stock holdings were around 23,000 t. Comparing with data for 2016 and forecasts for 2018 indicates declining consumer stock holdings over the three-year period.
Provisional estimates of total global tin use including refined and unrefined forms totalled 441,400 t in 2017, up 4.5% from 2016. The Recycling Input Rate (RIR) was calculated as 30.3% in 2017, down from 30.8% in 2016.
Solder still accounts for the largest global share of tin use, growing by 3.7% in 2017. China forecasts for 2018 are more negative, with some impact from the escalating US-China trade war. Miniaturisation remains the greatest threat, especially in China, balanced by market expansion and significant opportunities in new markets including energy technologies.
Average lead-free share for electronic solders remained stable at 68% in 2017. There is a continuing trend towards use of lower Pb content specifications in refined tin. All reported tin use in tinplate was now <100 ppm Pb tin with 30% <50 ppm Pb and 6% <25 ppm Pb. In solder, 73% of surveyed tin used globally was <100 ppm Pb, higher in China at 95%.
Tin use in chemicals grew by 7.5% in 2017, although growth is expected to slow significantly in 2018. China government environmental inspections continued to impact production and growing US-China trade issues are a concern. Tin price, competition and regulation are still significant issues but overall demand growth is positive, especially for polymer additives.
Tin use in tinplate continues to remain static or in decline, although some growth was estimated for 2017 outside China where some, mostly smaller companies, were more positive than expected for 2018. Overcapacity and competition continue to impact the industry, recently compounded by US steel tariffs, but there is some optimism that new pressure on plastics may make tinplate more competitive in the future.
Tin use in other applications includes lead-acid batteries, copper alloys and others such as tin and bronze powders, wine capsules, pewter, tin coatings and float glass. Although smaller and more traditional uses are stable, demand growth is positive for the automotive and glass industries particularly, with good prospects for advanced lead-acid batteries and tinned copper in hybrid and electric vehicles.
