PLS chart to start 2019, page-543

That's quite revealing that according to that graphic Tin is the metal most affected by new demand from the alternative energy revolution. Surely it has to be used for more than just solder. I would have thought that with LSIC (Large Scale Integrated Circuits) and Surface mounted components the amount of solder being used wouldn't be increasing much despite the quantum leap in electronic control systems in all modern equipment.

Also interesting is that lead is a large component of the last 2 solders on the list, leaded solder is still used for repairs but is largely phased out in the western world for OEM because of its toxicity. Maybe the Chinese still use it.