Trump Tariffs Shake Metal Markets, But Tin Shines Amidst Volatility

Recent tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump on metals such as aluminum and copper have caused significant disruptions in global metal markets. While many base metals saw price drops, tin bucked the trend, posting a 25% price increase in Q1 2025—outperforming even gold.

Why is Tin Rising?

Tin prices have surged due to a combination of supply constraints and geopolitical risks:

• Supply disruptions: Tin mines in Myanmar’s Man Maw region face shutdowns, reducing tin metal supply. This shortage impacts tinplate availability—the main material for tin packaging, tin boxes, and tin cans—raising production costs in the tin packaging industry.

• Political instability: Conflict in Congo forced closure of Alphamin’s Bisie tin mine, tightening tin supply further and affecting tinplate sourcing for tin can and tin box manufacturers.

• Market dynamics: High investor interest and falling LME tin stocks push prices up, encouraging tin packaging producers to optimize materials and manage cost volatility.

  

Other Metals Under Pressure

• Aluminum prices spiked in the U.S. Midwest after a 25% tariff on imports from Canada, the U.S.'s largest supplier.

• Copper markets show mixed signals amid tariffs on auto imports and semiconductor chips, coupled with slowing demand from China.

• Nickel faces oversupply issues due to increased Indonesian output.

• Lead remains stable.

• Zinc struggles despite inventory draws, with future supply growth expected.

Market Outlook

Tariffs have caused regional price divergence and market volatility. Investors should watch policy changes and global economic trends carefully to navigate the metals landscape.