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Tin Futures Trading Basics

Tin futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts in which the contract buyer agrees to take delivery, from the seller, a specific quantity of tin (eg. 5 tonnes) at a predetermined price on a future delivery date.

Tin Futures Exchanges

You can trade Tin futures at London Metal Exchange (LME).

LME Tin futures prices are quoted in dollars and cents per metric ton and are traded in lot sizes of 5 tonnes (11023 pounds).

Exchange & Product NameSymbolContract SizeInitial Margin
LME Tin Futures
(Price Quotes)
SN5 tonnes
(Full Contract Spec)
USD 11,700 (approx. 20%)
(Latest Margin Info)

Tin Futures Trading

Consumers and producers of tin can manage tin price risk by purchasing and selling tin futures. Tin producers can employ a short hedge to lock in a selling price for the tin they produce while businesses that require tin can utilize a long hedge to secure a purchase price for the commodity they need.

Tin futures are also traded by speculators who assume the price risk that hedgers try to avoid in return for a chance to profit from favorable tin price movement. Speculators buy tin futures when they believe that tin prices will go up. Conversely, they will sell tin futures when they think that tin prices will fall.

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