Tin prices reached a record high of $51,250 per metric ton on the London Metal Exchange, driven by broad-based demand across industrial metals. The surge marks the first time the metal has breached the $51,000 threshold in futures trading.
- Tin reached a record high of $51,250 per metric ton on the LME on January 14, 2026.
- LME open interest in tin contracts rose to 28,300 lots, indicating strong market participation.
- Global tin inventories fell to their lowest level in over two years.
- Supply disruptions in Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo contributed to tighter markets.
- Copper, nickel, and aluminum also saw significant gains, driving the broader metals rally.
- Electronic and EV manufacturers are reassessing supply contracts due to rising input costs.
Tin futures on the London Metal Exchange (LME) climbed to a historic high of $51,250 per metric ton on January 14, 2026, marking the first time the commodity has exceeded $51,000 in trading history. The spike followed a coordinated rally across the industrial metals complex, with copper, nickel, and aluminum also posting significant gains. The increase reflects heightened demand from electronics manufacturing, electric vehicle production, and semiconductor packaging industries, where tin is a critical alloying agent and solder material. The market momentum was fueled by tightening global supply chains, particularly in Southeast Asia, a major tin-producing region. Recent disruptions in mining operations in Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo contributed to reduced output, while inventory levels on the LME fell to their lowest in over two years. As of January 13, open interest in tin contracts stood at 28,300 lots, signaling strong trader participation and bullish positioning. The rally has prompted reassessments by industrial users and commodity traders alike. Major electronics manufacturers in China and South Korea have begun renegotiating supply contracts amid rising input costs. Market analysts note that the price increase may accelerate substitution efforts, particularly in lead-free solder applications, though immediate alternatives remain limited. The LME's cash price for tin also settled at $51,120, up 7.8% from the previous session. The broader impact includes upward pressure on inflation metrics in manufacturing-intensive economies and renewed scrutiny of critical mineral supply chains. Financial institutions and commodity funds are reevaluating exposure to base metals, with several hedge funds increasing long positions in tin futures over the past week.