For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The AL6XN Price Index in North America recorded a quarter-over-quarter increase of 6.4% in Q2 2025. The uptick was primarily driven by rising demand from sectors such as chemical processing, offshore energy infrastructure, and marine fabrication. Project reactivations and higher-grade material specifications in heat exchanger and piping systems further strengthened the upward pricing trend.
• The AL6XN Production Cost Trend remained largely stable during the quarter, with no major volatility in alloying element prices like molybdenum, nickel, and chromium. Domestic producers maintained strong operational continuity, supported by efficient logistics and consistent mill output.
• The AL6XN Demand Outlook improved notably, with buyers returning to the market for scheduled maintenance programs, particularly in the oil & gas and power generation industries. New orders for corrosion-resistant alloys also picked up, reinforcing overall market confidence.
• Export activity saw a moderate rise, particularly toward Latin America. A relatively weaker U.S. dollar in May and June enhanced the international competitiveness of U.S.-origin material, attracting short-term interest from overseas buyers.
Why did the price of AL6XN change in July 2025 in North America?
• The AL6XN Spot Price in July 2025 remained broadly stable, holding close to June levels. Ample domestic inventory and consistent mill output helped balance out the earlier quarter’s price increase.
• Despite firm underlying demand, many buyers adopted a wait-and-see approach in July, limiting purchases to near-term requirements amid uncertainty around alloy surcharges and mill lead times.
• The AL6XN Price Forecast indicates stable pricing in the near term, with a possible upward bias if raw material input costs rise or export orders accelerate.
• The AL6XN Demand Outlook remains cautiously optimistic, especially in coastal infrastructure, energy process equipment, and seawater handling applications.
APAC
• The AL6XN Price Index in China rose by 3.9% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025. Increased procurement activity in the desalination, power generation, and refinery segments contributed to firmer pricing. Infrastructure stimulus spending and greater environmental compliance requirements also supported demand for high-performance alloys.
• The AL6XN Production Cost Trend was mostly stable, though April witnessed localized supply chain tightness for alloying inputs like nickel and molybdenum, causing brief cost fluctuations.
• The AL6XN Demand Outlook improved in key coastal provinces, supported by restarts of large municipal and industrial projects. Increased inquiries from EPC contractors and stainless component fabricators were observed during May and June.
• Export demand from China remained limited, as regional buyers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East showed preference for lower-cost alternatives. Nevertheless, solid domestic consumption helped maintain price strength.
Why did the price of AL6XN change in July 2025 in APAC?
• The AL6XN Spot Price in July 2025 held largely flat compared to June. While project demand remained intact, procurement slowed slightly due to the onset of seasonal monsoons and temporary delays in municipal project rollouts.
• The market entered a wait-and-watch phase, with most buyers cautious about further price hikes following the strong Q2 rally.
• The AL6XN Price Forecast for the region suggests limited upside in the near term unless restocking accelerates or cost inflation resurfaces.
• The AL6XN Demand Outlook remains steady, supported by long-cycle public infrastructure work and the sustained adoption of corrosion-resistant materials in chemical and marine systems.
Europe
• The AL6XN Price Index in Germany declined sharply by 8.5% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, marking the steepest drop among major regions. Weak offtake from downstream segments like pharmaceutical machinery and food-grade equipment, coupled with project delays, led to significant price erosion.
• The AL6XN Production Cost Trend was relatively steady, but producers were forced to slash prices due to growing inventory pressures and aggressive competition from Asian suppliers offering lower-cost equivalents.
• The AL6XN Demand Outlook in Europe remained weak, with many buyers postponing purchases in anticipation of further price reductions. Limited new tenders and cautious distributor sentiment added to the bearish environment.
• Export activity was soft, with fewer orders from the Middle East and Africa. Additionally, European mills faced pricing pressure from imports, especially amid a stronger euro during the quarter.
Why did the price of AL6XN change in July 2025 in Europe?
• The AL6XN Spot Price in July 2025 saw a mild recovery from the June trough, mainly due to short-term restocking by certain German and Benelux distributors ahead of summer shutdowns.
• However, the broader market continued to exhibit risk aversion, with most end-users preferring flexible, low-volume contracts and just-in-time purchasing.
• The AL6XN Price Forecast remains subdued, with no strong signs of a rebound until demand stabilizes or excess stock clears.
• The AL6XN Demand Outlook is expected to stay weak in the short term, particularly in precision fabrication, biotech systems, and specialty bulk storage.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
• The AL6XN Price Index in North American market showcased a significant upward movement in the first quarter of 2025, with AL6XN sheet (3 mm) spot prices settling at USD 29,277/MT DEL Houston.
• Prices of the product increased by 6.7% compared to the final quarter of 2024, driven by limited supply conditions due to import restrictions, port congestion, and logistical inefficiencies.
• Why did the price of AL6XN change in April 2025 in USA? Prices were rising as April began, carried over from Q1 supply constraints and robust domestic demand.
• Domestic demand strengthened, especially from production and process industries, further supporting the bullish momentum.
• The U.S. registered the most noticeable price gains, with supply disruptions amplifying upward pressure on the Al6XN Spot Price.
• The Al6XN Demand Outlook remains strong in North America, supported by downstream industries and limited inventory levels.
• Al6XN Production Cost Trend faced upward pressure due to logistical expenses and constrained supply chains.
• The Al6XN Price Forecast for the coming quarter hints at potential moderation, provided global shipping and import channels stabilize.
Europe
• The AL6XN Price Index in Europe showed a downward trajectory, with prices closing Q1 2025 at USD 19,695/MT FD-Werdohl (Germany), marking an 11.5% quarter-over-quarter decline.
• Why did the European price of AL6XN change in April 2025? Prices were low, reflecting sustained downward pressure from oversupply and weak demand.
• Germany, the region's key market, saw the most pronounced impact due to sluggish industrial activity, particularly in the construction and automotive sectors.
• A global oversupply situation added to regional stockpiles, which—combined with economic uncertainty—pushed prices further down.
• Despite minor operational disruptions, overall production was unaffected enough to counter the soft demand.
• The Al6XN Demand Outlook remains weak in Europe for the near term due to macroeconomic challenges and muted industrial activity.
• The Al6XN Production Cost Trend remained relatively stable, though cost pressure did little to offset bearish sentiment.
• The Al6XN Price Forecast suggests continued pricing weakness unless demand recovery occurs in the construction and engineering sectors.
Asia Pacific (APAC)
• The AL6XN Price Index in the APAC region posted a positive increase in Q1 2025, closing at USD 15,114/MT Ex-Shanghai, with China leading the surge.
• Prices in China rose by 2.2% quarter-over-quarter, driven by high demand and supply chain inefficiencies.
• Why did the AL6XN price change in April 2025 in Asia? Prices were high, reflecting continued demand growth and constrained shipping availability.
• Production challenges and delays in global logistics contributed to the bullish pricing sentiment.
• Despite China’s focus on scrap recycling, rising demand in downstream applications outpaced supply availability, lifting the Al6XN Spot Price.
• Seasonal transitions and limited vessel availability further pushed costs upward, keeping prices firm through April.
• The Al6XN Demand Outlook remains positive in APAC due to infrastructure developments and industrial expansion.
• The Al6XN Production Cost Trend rose moderately due to rising logistics and raw material costs.
• The Al6XN Price Forecast indicates stable to firm pricing through early Q2, assuming persistent demand and logistical bottlenecks.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The fourth quarter of 2024 saw a notable downward trend in prices across North America, with particular emphasis on the U.S. market. The quarter concluded with AL6XN sheet (3 mm) prices at USD 25,651/MT DEL Houston, marking a 2% decrease from Q3 2024.
Moreover, the price decline was primarily driven by an imbalance between supply and demand fundamentals. Supply chains demonstrated increased availability of material, stemming from both higher import volumes and shifts in domestic production patterns. This supply expansion occurred against a backdrop of weakening demand, creating downward pressure on prices.
Additionally, Key end-user sectors, particularly automotive and manufacturing, showed reduced consumption patterns. The manufacturing sector's performance was especially significant, with decreased factory orders contributing to the sluggish demand environment. This sectoral weakness played a crucial role in maintaining the bearish price trend throughout the quarter. While the price decline was observed across North America, the U.S. market experienced the most pronounced effects. The combination of increased material availability and subdued industrial activity created a consistently bearish pricing environment, making Q4 2024 a challenging period for market participants.
Europe
The European AL6XN market experienced a downward price trajectory during Q4 2024, with prices settling at USD 21,740/MT FD-Werdohl in Germany by quarter-end. This pricing environment reflected broader regional challenges and shifting market fundamentals. Additionally, the quarter was characterized by an oversupply situation, as global steel dynamics led to increased material availability across Europe. This supply expansion occurred simultaneously with weakening demand, creating significant downward pressure on prices. Germany, as the region's key market, experienced the most pronounced effects of these market conditions. Moreover, multiple sectors showed reduced consumption patterns, particularly in construction and automotive industries. The decrease in industrial activity across Europe, especially in Germany, contributed to the weakening demand scenario. Economic challenges and evolving consumer behaviour patterns further amplified this trend. While the entire European region faced pricing challenges, Germany emerged as the focal point of market dynamics. Despite some operational disruptions at production facilities, the persistent oversupply coupled with decreased demand maintained downward pressure on prices throughout the quarter.
APAC
The APAC region's AL6XN market faced significant downward pressure during Q4 2024, with prices concluding at USD 14,103/MT Ex-Shanghai in China. This represents an 8% decline from Q3 2024, reflecting substantial market challenges across the region. In China, as the region's dominant market, experienced the most pronounced price movements. The quarter was characterized by surplus production capacity, leading to increased export volumes at competitive prices. This oversupply situation, coupled with operational disruptions at mining facilities, created a complex market environment affecting regional pricing structures. Additionally, key end-user sectors, particularly construction and automotive, showed weakened demand patterns. China's domestic demand slowdown had ripple effects across global markets, creating additional downward pressure on international prices. While the entire APAC region faced pricing challenges, China's market conditions proved particularly influential. Despite maintaining resilient production levels, the combination of surplus capacity and weakened demand created persistent downward pressure on prices. The market experienced more pronounced decreases between the first and second half of Q4, reflecting ongoing adjustments to challenging market conditions.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North America Region witnessed stable prices for AL6XN, reflecting a balanced and consistent pricing environment. Several factors influenced market prices during this quarter. The supply chain remained robust, with consistent production levels and increase in demand. Moreover, Seasonal trends and market dynamics played a role in increasing the prices. Additionally, the correlation in price changes between different regions contributed to the overall equilibrium in pricing. The manufacturing sector also contributed to the rising demand for AL6XN, as factory orders and steel exports witnessed an increase in volumes.
In the USA, where the most significant price changes were observed, the market experienced bullish prices. Moreover, the quarter saw a 4% increase from the previous quarter, with prices remaining consistent throughout. Furthermore, the AL6XN supply in the USA decreased due to weaker import dynamics and shifts in domestic production. Additionally, On the other hand, the demand increased, particularly in the automotive and manufacturing industries, leading to a price rise in the market.
The quarter-ending price for AL6XN sheet (3 mm) DEL Houston in the USA stood at USD 26651/MT, indicating a firm and stable pricing scenario.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Europe Region witnessed an increase in AL6XN pricing. Several factors contributed to this upward trend. Additionally, the region experienced a decrease in supply, driven by global steel dynamics and a significant increase in demand for products. This influx of supplies puts pressure on local suppliers, leading to an increase in prices. Additionally, demand for AL6XN saw a incline, influenced by economic challenges and changing consumer behavior, particularly in sectors like construction and automotive.
Meanwhile, Germany experienced the most significant price changes in the region during the quarter. The market faced supply constraints and an increase in demand, impacting prices. Moreover, the overall trend in pricing for AL6XN in Germany reflected a consistent increase, with fluctuations observed between the first and second half of the quarter. Additionally, the market has shown resilience, with an increase in demand for AL6XN in German market, reflecting a positive shift in industrial activity.
Despite some disruptions and plant shutdowns, the quarter-ending price for Al6XN Sheet (3 mm) FD-Werdohl in Germany stood at USD 24671/MT, indicating a challenging pricing environment characterized by decreasing prices.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the APAC region experienced a challenging period for AL6XN pricing, marked by a significant decrease in prices. Various factors contributed to this downward trend, including weakening demand in key sectors such as construction and automotive, oversupply in the market, and global economic slowdown. The quarter saw a notable -17% decrease from the previous quarter, reflecting the bearish market sentiment.
Meanwhile, China witnessed the most substantial price changes, with a drop between the first and second half of the quarter. Additionally, the country's steel market faced surplus production capacities, leading to increased exports at competitive prices, further declining global prices. Moreover, Furthermore, the global steel market is feeling the repercussions of China's weakening demand, leading to downward pressure on prices internationally.
The quarter-ending price for AL6XN plate Ex Shanghai in China stood at USD 14955/MT, highlighting the prevailing negative pricing environment. Despite some resilience in production levels, disruptions in mining facilities and plant shutdowns added operational complexities and cost pressures, contributing to the overall challenging market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
• 1. What is the current price of AL6XN?
Prices vary by region, with North America and China experiencing moderate quarter-over-quarter increases in Q2 2025, while Europe faced a sharp price decline. As of July 2025, the price of AL6XN was settled at USD 7,460/MT on a CFR Hamburg basis, with North American prices holding firm due to stable mill output and demand from offshore and energy applications.
• 2. Who are the top AL6XN producers in North America and Europe?
Key producers in North America include ATI Metals, Outokumpu, and Rolled Alloys, known for supplying high-performance stainless alloys to the chemical processing and marine sectors. In Europe, major mills such as Aperam, Thyssenkrupp, and VDM Metals lead the AL6XN production landscape, though imports from Asia continue to influence regional pricing and inventory dynamics.
• 3. What is the AL6XN Price Forecast for Q3 2025?
The forecast suggests stable to slightly bullish trends in North America and China, driven by infrastructure activity and export interest. However, the outlook in Europe remains bearish due to oversupply and sluggish industrial consumption. Global price direction will likely depend on alloy surcharge trends and procurement volumes from energy and municipal projects.
• 4. How is the AL6XN Production Cost Trend impacting global prices?
Production costs remained largely stable in Q2 2025 across regions. While alloying inputs like molybdenum and nickel saw minor fluctuations in April, cost pressure was generally limited. However, European producers were forced to cut prices due to inventory build-ups, while Chinese and North American mills benefited from steady operations and logistics, enabling them to hold or modestly increase prices.
