Indonesia to Restructure RKAB System as Tin Market Faces Fluctuations

Indonesia plans to overhaul its RKAB (Work Plan and Budget) system for mineral and coal mining starting in 2026, shifting from a three-year cycle to an annual process. This reform aims to streamline production planning, with mining companies required to submit new plans beginning October 2025. Meanwhile, tin prices are expected to continue their fluctuating pattern, influenced by both international macroeconomic developments and domestic supply and demand dynamics. Recently, the tin market experienced a downward trend amid tightening supply from major producers like Yunnan and subdued demand following the end of the photovoltaic industry rush. Despite global trade agreements such as the US-Japan automobile tariff accord, tin prices remained relatively unaffected. Indonesia's refined tin exports have been steadily recovering, reaching approximately 4,400 metric tons in June, with a 73.6% year-over-year increase in the first half of the year. Market participants should stay alert to potential policy shifts and supply chain changes that could impact prices in the near term.