THE VALUE OF TIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 247, 18 October 1926, Page 4

THE VALUE OF TIN.

The recent advances in the price or tin indicate clearly that the strong: position or the metal enables temporary depression to be overcome. The statistical return Tor September was responsible, doubtless. Tor the sharp recovery in the. metal, Tor the spot position has become more acute, showing- a reduction of over 200 tons on the month to 951 tons. Though stocks increased by about 800 tons to 13,456 tons, the figures indicate that supplies are still sufficient to fulfil world requirements Tor only a rew weeks. Deliveries increased substantially at 2124 tons. Whilst the supporters or the metal anticipated a keen United States demand during- the present buying season, most would have been satisfied to see the market at £300 a ton by the end of the year. But, despite increased activity in the Eastern tin fields, now easily the chief source or supplies, production cannot do more than keep pace with demand. So each recent month has shown a tightening in the spot position. It Is only a few years ago that the comparatively rew Australian tin-dredging companies, operating In the East, were looking expectantly to the time when tin at £180 a ton would ensure a reasonable rate or profit. How the price of the metal has appreciated In the Interval is Indicated by the following figures:— October 1, 1922 £164 October 1, 1923 202 October 1, 1924 288 October 1. 1925 269 April 1. 192(> 284 May 1, 1920 2i4 June 1, 192<j 266 July 1. 1926 -'■} August 1, 1926 291 September 1. 1926 290 October 1, 1926 31j