A white silvery metal, Tin is well known for its corrosion resistance against distilled and salt water and ordinary tap water. It is not a metal in abundance in the world. Tin is widely used in electronics, soldering, food packaging, engineering alloys, anti-corrosion coatings and several other industries.

Global Situation

Global tin consumption is expected to register a year-on-year growth of 10 percent to 367,000 ton in 2006 compared to 2005. Growth in the Asian electronics industry and replacement of lead-based solders are the key triggers for tin consumption in the world. As is the case with many other metals, China is the leading consumer of tin in the world. In 2007, the demand for tin is expected to rise by 384,000 ton. China, Indonesia, Peru and Brazil are the leading producers of tin in the world.

Indian Situation

India produces very little quantity of tin—some 10 tons—per year. The country imports around 4,000 tons of tin yearly. Tin plating has also a very good potential to develop in the country. Tin is mainly used in packaging both food and non-food sectors in the country.