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This table provides detailed information on the quantities and values of refined tin imported into the United States from various countries and localities for consumption. This data is crucial for understanding the supply chain dynamics of tin, a metal widely used in electronics, soldering, plating, and other industrial applications. Tracking import sources helps assess market dependencies, price fluctuations, and potential supply risks, which are vital for manufacturers, policymakers, and economic analysts monitoring the health and stability of the U.S. tin market.
In 2023, total U.S. imports of refined tin decreased to 28,200 metric tons, down from 33,200 metric tons in 2022, while the total value dropped significantly from $1.14 billion to $750 million. Bolivia remained the largest supplier but saw a notable decline in quantity from 10,600 to 7,400 metric tons and a sharp value decrease from $373 million to $199 million. Peru and Indonesia also experienced decreases in both quantity and value, with Peru’s imports falling slightly from 9,400 to 9,310 metric tons and value from $318 million to $250 million, and Indonesia’s dropping from 5,250 to 3,450 metric tons and from $174 million to $89.6 million. Conversely, Malaysia more than doubled its export volume to the U.S., increasing from 878 to 1,960 metric tons, with value rising from $35.2 million to $53.4 million. New suppliers such as Congo (Kinshasa) and Singapore appeared in 2023, contributing 337 and 251 metric tons respectively, indicating a diversification in sourcing. These shifts reflect changing global production patterns and market conditions impacting U.S. refined tin imports.
| TABLE 8 | |||||||||||||||||
| U.S. IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION OF REFINED TIN, | |||||||||||||||||
| BY COUNTRY OR LOCALITY1 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Quantity | Quantity | ||||||||||||||||
| (metric tons, | Value | (metric tons, | Value | ||||||||||||||
| Country or locality | gross weight) | (thousands) | gross weight) | (thousands) | |||||||||||||
| Belgium | 433 | 15500 | 427 | 11800 | |||||||||||||
| Belize | 75 | 2930 | -- | -- | |||||||||||||
| Bolivia | 10600 | 373000 | r | 7400 | 199000 | ||||||||||||
| Brazil | 4390 | 148000 | 2900 | 75900 | |||||||||||||
| Canada | 281 | 9410 | 214 | 5940 | |||||||||||||
| Chile | 40 | 1720 | 50 | 1220 | |||||||||||||
| Congo (Kinshasa) | -- | -- | 337 | 8770 | |||||||||||||
| India | 1 | 5 | 25 | 289 | |||||||||||||
| Indonesia | 5250 | 174000 | 3450 | 89600 | |||||||||||||
| Japan | 66 | 1490 | 44 | 1250 | |||||||||||||
| Kenya | -- | -- | 55 | 1290 | |||||||||||||
| Malaysia | 878 | 35200 | 1960 | 53400 | |||||||||||||
| Peru | 9400 | r | 318000 | 9310 | 250000 | ||||||||||||
| Poland | 1370 | 48600 | 1030 | 28000 | |||||||||||||
| Rwanda | 50 | 1590 | 75 | 1600 | |||||||||||||
| Singapore | -- | -- | 251 | 9410 | |||||||||||||
| Thailand | 279 | 9930 | 418 | 11900 | |||||||||||||
| United Kingdom | 24 | 872 | -- | -- | |||||||||||||
| Other | 80 | r | 310 | r | 270 | 977 | |||||||||||
| Total | 33200 | 1140000 | 28200 | 750000 | |||||||||||||
rRevised.
1Table includes data available through September 9, 2024. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2Less than ½ unit.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Tin statistics | Mineral commodity prices