Archive · 17 Dec 2025
Tin Prices Surge as Investors Eye Critical Metal
Tin prices have been going up a lot this year, even more than copper.
Investors are putting a lot of money into tin because it's really important for making electronics.
But there are some problems.
Most of the tin comes from a few countries where there are risks like illegal mining and fighting.
Also, not enough money is being spent to open new mines.
This makes the price go up and down a lot.
Experts say that until more money is invested in actually mining tin, the price will keep being unstable.
Tin prices have surged 41% year-to-date, outpacing copper's 33% rise.
Investment funds have accumulated record long positions on the LME tin contract, with 5,753 contracts (28,765 tons).
Tin's primary use is now in circuit boards for electronics, not sardine cans.
Supply risks are high due to concentration in countries like the Congo and Myanmar, and underinvestment in new mines.
The International Tin Association estimates that $245 million per year is needed for new mines, but only $100-150 million is currently being invested.
- Who
- Investors and fund managers
- What
- Tin prices are surging due to increased investment and supply risks
- When
- Year-to-date (as of December 17)
- Where
- London Metal Exchange (LME) and Shanghai Futures Exchange
- Why
- Tin is critical for electronics, and supply risks are increasing due to concentration in high-risk countries and underinvestment in new mines
- Year-to-date tin price gain
- 41%
- Year-to-date copper price gain
- 33%
- Record long positions on LME tin contract
- 5,753 contracts (28,765 tons)
- LME tin stocks
- 6,000 tons
- Global tin resources
- 22.5 million tons
- Annual investment needed for new tin mines
- $245 million
- Current annual investment in new tin mines
- $100-150 million
- Artisanal miners' share of global tin output
- 40%