Tin price premiums showed few significant changes in the regional markets on Tuesday September 11 on sparse spot-market activity, with Europe keeping an eye on the London Metal Exchange while the US market prepares for the contract negotiation season.
Contract supply damps European spot demandStatus quo in US, but contract season loomsAmple stocks keep Asia premiums flat. European premiums steady on sparse tradingThe premium for 99.9% standard ingot tin, with 300 parts per million (ppm) lead content, held firm into September 12 in a range of $290-335 per tonne, with business being done at the lower end of the price range despite continued reports of quiet market conditions.One deal was confirmed at $295-305 per tonne, but some market participants suggested that lower-priced cargoes may contain higher levels of arsenic, a highly toxic chemical element that is considered hazardous to the environment."People have different needs, and while 300ppm is within the LME [specification], it may not be the case globally, with many end-users unable to use a certain type of tin based on...