The International Tin Trade

The international tin trade is known to have been in existence for more than four thousand years and the importance of this metal as a constituent of bronze and pewter was well known in ancient times. The modern tin industry dates from the time of the industrial revolution. In this book, Peter Roddy examines all aspects of the tin trade from the Bronze Age to the present day and considers the future outlook for this metal in a comparatively small but important market characterised by fluctuating prices and falling demand.

The author provides a comprehensive overview of the production, consumption and uses of tin, explains the structure of the market and provides an insight into trading techniques and strategies. The crisis of 1985 and subsequent events are discussed in detail and the future of tin and its associated industries are considered in the light of changes in technology and growing environmental concerns.

This book will be essential reading for anyone with an interest in the international trade in tin, whether as produer, trader or consumer and all those seeking readily accessible information on the industry.

Table of Contents

About the Author

Michael Atkin was involved in the tin trade for more than 30 years, his early interest in metals inspired by his family connections with South Wales, an area which was once the world's leading producer of tinplate. He joined the metals trading team of Ferguson Wild at the age of 24 and at the time was the youngest ring-dealer on the floor of the London Metal Exchange. He subsequently worked for J.H. Rayner (Mincing Lane) Ltd. and was Director and General Manager of Triland Metals Ltd. before joining Barclays Metals Ltd. Peter Roddy died suddenly on January 30, 1994, at the age of 55.