For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
The second quarter of 2024 has been notably challenging for the Stainless-Steel Cold Rolled (CR) Coil market in North America, characterized by a consistent decline in prices. Several fundamental factors have converged to exert downward pressure on market prices. An oversupply situation, fuelled by heightened capacity utilization and amplified raw material availability, has resulted in a significant inventory build-up. This supply glut, compounded by tepid demand from key sectors such as construction and manufacturing, has further destabilized market equilibrium. Elevated interest rates and economic uncertainties have prompted cautious purchasing behaviour, exacerbated the supply-demand imbalance, and led to a bearish market environment.
Focusing on the USA, which has experienced the most pronounced fluctuations, the overall trend has been overwhelmingly negative. The seasonal impact has exacerbated this downturn, with a notable 1% price drop between the first and second halves of the quarter. These shifts can be attributed to subdued construction activity, weak order intake, and increasing freight costs, which have collectively dampened market sentiment.
The latest recorded price for SS-304 CR plate (6 mm) CFR Alabama Port stands at USD 4877/MT, reflecting a persistently negative pricing environment. Overall, the market has faced significant challenges, with the decreasing trend underscoring a negative sentiment throughout the quarter.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the European market for Stainless Steel Cold Rolled (CR) Coil experienced noticeable price increases driven by several influential factors. Key among these were persistent supply constraints, fluctuating demand from critical sectors such as automotive and construction, and an intricate interplay of global economic conditions. The supply side faced pressure due to limited availability of raw materials and logistical bottlenecks, which was compounded by environmental regulations and decarbonization efforts impacting production rates. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions and regulatory measures, such as anti-dumping duties, also constrained imports, adding upward pressure on prices.
Focusing on Germany, which saw the most significant price changes, the market displayed a pronounced upward trend. The overall sentiment was positive, driven by an uptick in demand from the automotive and manufacturing sectors, despite a slowing construction industry. Seasonality played a role, with the second quarter typically seeing higher industrial activity after the winter lull. The correlation in price changes was evident as the increasing demand during this period exacerbated the supply tightness, leading to price hikes. Within Q2, a 2% price rise between the first and second half of the quarter further illustrated the strengthening demand dynamics.
Conclusively, Q2 2024 ended with Stainless Steel CR Coil prices at USD 2851/MT for Stainless Steel-304 CR Sheet (2 mm) FD-Ruhr in Germany, showcasing a robust and increasingly positive pricing environment driven by constrained supply and resilient demand.
APAC
In the second quarter of 2024, Stainless Steel Cold Rolled (CR) Coil prices in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region remained stable, driven by a delicate balance in supply and demand dynamics. Key factors contributing to this price stability include robust production levels, subdued demand from downstream industries, and sustained inventory levels. Despite some fluctuations in global raw material costs and minor interruptions in the supply chain, the overall market sentiment has remained steady. The seasonality effect, characterized by traditional downturns in certain manufacturing sectors, and minimal changes in construction activity have also played pivotal roles in maintaining price stability.
Focusing on South Korea, which experienced the most notable price changes, the market reflected a complex interplay of robust domestic manufacturing output and fluctuating import-export dynamics. The overall trend in South Korea has been one of cautious stability, the first and second halves of the quarter showed no significant price differentiation, indicating consistent market behaviour throughout the period.
The quarter-ending price for Stainless Steel-304 CR Coil (3 mm) in South Korea settled at USD 2875/MT FOB Busan, underscoring the stable pricing environment. This stability, while highlighting an overall positive sentiment, suggests that the market has successfully navigated potential disruptions and maintained equilibrium amidst varying external pressures. The pricing environment, thus, can be characterized as stable, reflecting a market well-adjusted to current economic conditions and supply-demand dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
The North American market for Stainless Steel CR Coil in Q1 2024 saw a significant decline in prices. This decline was influenced by several factors, including an oversupply of Nickel, a key component, and decreased demand from downstream industries such as construction and automotive.
The USA experienced notable price changes in Q1 2024. Prices for Stainless Steel CR Coil dropped, driven by reduced demand from downstream industries and falling nickel prices. The economic downturn had a negative impact on industries like construction and automotive, leading to a decrease in demand for Stainless Steel CR Coil. Both domestic and international buyers exercised caution, further suppressing demand.
Overall, the pricing environment for Stainless Steel CR Coil in North America in Q1 2024 was bearish. The market faced challenges due to an oversupply of Nickel, reduced demand from downstream industries, and uncertainties in the macroeconomy. While there were expansions in mining capacity and discoveries of significant Nickel deposits, these factors did not offset the overall downward trend in prices. The latest quarter-ending price for Stainless Steel CR Coil in the USA was USD 5165/MT for SS-304 CR plate (6 mm) CFR Alabama Port. This price reflects the downward trend experienced throughout the quarter.
APAC
The pricing environment for Stainless Steel CR Coil in the APAC region during Q1 2024 has been relatively stable. Overall, there have been minimal price changes, with some fluctuations observed in China. In China, the market experienced slight price increases in February, driven by a slight recovery in demand from the construction and housing sectors. However, cautiousness among buyers due to uncertain market sentiment and contraction in Chinese manufacturing activity tempered the price growth. The Chinese spot market also saw a slight tightening in supply during the Lunar New Year holidays. Additionally, conflicts in the Red Sea escalated sea freight costs, posing a threat to trade activity. Looking at the overall trends and seasonality, the demand for Stainless Steel CR Coil remained moderate in the APAC region. The resumption of construction sites after the Lunar New Year holidays in China contributed to a slight recovery in demand. However, the shift in consumer spending from goods to services in Europe and the United States impacted imports and trade dynamics. In terms of price changes compared to the same quarter last year, there was no specific percentage mentioned in the provided data. However, the price changes from the previous quarter in 2024 were minimal, reflecting the overall stability in the pricing environment. To conclude, the latest quarter-ending price for Stainless Steel-201 CR Coil (1 mm) Ex Shanghai in China was USD 1322/MT. The pricing environment for Stainless Steel CR Coil in the APAC region has been relatively stable, with minor fluctuations observed in China.
Europe
The Stainless-Steel CR Coil market in Europe experienced a challenging first quarter of 2024, with prices facing a downward trend. This decline can be attributed to several factors that impacted the market. Oversupply was a significant issue, as the European market faced a surplus of Stainless-Steel CR Coil. This oversupply was fuelled by disruptions in production, including strikes at major mills such as Acerinox Palmones in Spain and protests in Finland. These disruptions limited output and added to the supply constraints. Additionally, abundant availability of feedstock, such as nickel and steel scrap, further contributed to the oversupply and reduced production costs. Demand for Stainless Steel CR Coil remained low during the quarter, particularly in the construction sector. The anticipation of a recession in key economies like Germany further dampened demand, leading to a decrease in orders. Elevated interest rates and construction costs also played a role in the reduced demand. In Germany specifically, prices for Stainless Steel CR Coil saw a decline of 1.0% during the quarter. This decrease can be attributed to the same factors mentioned above, including oversupply and low demand in the construction sector. Overall, the pricing environment for Stainless Steel CR Coil in Europe during the first quarter of 2024 was negative, with prices facing downward pressure due to oversupply and reduced demand. The market outlook remains bleak, with uncertainties and challenges continuing to impact the industry. The latest quarter-ending price for Stainless Steel-304 CR Sheet (2 mm) Ex Ruhr in Germany was USD 2744/MT.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
In the North American region, the Stainless-Steel CR Coil market faced challenges during the fourth quarter of 2023. Throughout October, the US market experienced persistent high prices, primarily driven by increased demand from the chemical and automotive sectors. This demand surge was further exacerbated by limited supplies of upstream materials. Additionally, US bond yields increased, reflecting a robust economy.
Moving into November, despite a rise in yield propelled by strong US economic data, an agreement on the steel dispute between the EU and the US remained elusive. During this period, US stainless-steel CR Coil prices saw a decline due to heightened production and decreased consumption. The expansion plans of Outokumpu contributed to an increase in supply, and surpluses in feedstock, along with lower production costs, played a role in influencing the market.
December witnessed further price declines in the US stainless-steel CR Coil market. This was attributed to increased inventory levels and reduced demand. Globally, the Nickel mining industry experienced growth driven by improved feedstock supply. Notably, US stainless steel producers redirected their investments to China to enhance competitiveness. The winter holidays, severe weather conditions, and market uncertainties collectively contributed to subdued demand in the US spot market. The price of SS-304 CR plate (6 mm) Ex Florida in the USA at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 was USD 6326/MT.
Asia-Pacific
The Stainless-Steel CR Coil market in the APAC region witnessed a downtrend during the fourth quarter of 2023, influenced by various factors impacting pricing dynamics. In October, Chinese Stainless-Steel CR Coil prices experienced a decline due to a shift in demand in the southern regions. This shift was triggered by Anti-dumping duties in the US and European markets, coupled with uncertainties in steel scrap and nickel availability. Additionally, China's iron ore stocks reached a 7-year low as steelmakers sought alternative sources, aligning with World Steel's projection of a 7.7% growth in steel demand, thereby reducing iron ore inventories. Later in the fourth quarter, Stainless Steel CR Coil prices continued to decrease due to an increase in nickel supply and a simultaneous decrease in consumption. By December 2023, the Chinese spot market exhibited pricing stability despite reduced demand, global oversupply, adverse weather conditions, and expanded mining operations. The initial public offering (IPO) of China's Tsingshan Holding Group's battery subsidiary impacted nickel prices, and disruptions in Indonesia further affected the Chinese Stainless Steel CR Coil prices. Looking ahead, future trends in the Stainless-Steel CR Coil market will depend on trade dynamics and macroeconomic factors. The latest price for Stainless Steel-304 CR Coil (3 mm) Ex Shanghai in China for the last quarter is USD 2185/MT.
Europe
In the final quarter of 2023, the European market for cold-rolled stainless-steel coils (CR Coils) exhibited stability. Initially, during October 2023, the German spot market for Stainless Steel CR Coils observed a notable price increase attributed to heightened demand from the automotive and chemical sectors. A reduction in the supply of raw materials, especially steel scrap, and Nickel pig iron, led to decreased production rates and depleted global and domestic inventories. Challenges associated with the EU Carbon Border Tax prompted calls for reinforced export bans on EU ferrous scrap, generating concerns about future availability. Moving into November, Stainless Steel CR Coil prices in the German spot market saw a decline due to reduced demand from downstream industries and an oversupply situation. Nornickel adjusted its global nickel surplus estimate, citing consistent production and lower domestic buying rates. Downstream construction and infrastructure demand weakened as winter interrupted manufacturing processes. By the close of 2023, Stainless Steel CR Coil prices in the German spot market further decreased due to oversupply and reduced domestic demand. Arvedi Acciai Speciali Terni extended its production pause due to rising production costs. In Belgium, ArcelorMittal's Torero plant addressed carbon emission concerns by converting waste wood into bio-coal. The withdrawal of German government subsidies in December had an impact on electric vehicle sales, affecting the Stainless-Steel CR Coil sector. The latest price for Stainless Steel-304 CR Sheet (2 mm) Ex Ruhr in Germany at the end of the quarter was USD 2814/MT in December.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
In Q3, Steel Stainless CR Coil prices in the US market began to decrease as local stocks rose, driven by falling raw material costs. Pig iron ore prices on the US spot market declined due to increased production from foreign mines. While nickel raw material costs rose, coking coal costs fell, and stock levels increased, discouraging large orders. In contrast, China's overseas electric vehicle production and sales increased, intensifying competition in the auto industry. As downstream industries expanded, domestic supply levels decreased. A 23,000 increase in downstream construction employment signaled growing building activity. Demand for Stainless Steel CR Coil increased due to the housing and auto sectors. However, in August, US market sentiment waned as nickel supply decreased due to Indonesia's export quota halt, while some US mills reduced production, maintaining lower steel inventory levels but high Stainless Steel CR Coil inventory. As economic conditions stabilized, buyers returned, bolstering market sentiment. The trend for Stainless Steel CR Coil in the US spot market improved as demand increased, especially from the downstream construction and electric vehicle sectors, supported by the government's push for solar and hydropower projects.
APAC
In the third quarter, China's Stainless-Steel CR Coil market experienced a price decline, driven by reduced demand and diminished exports to the United States and Eurozone countries. Buyers adopted a cautious approach, waiting for further price drops, leading to stagnant market conditions. Elevated inventory levels were a consequence of increased crude steel production within China's spot market. Furthermore, the ban on Chinese raw material imports by the United States and European countries led to lower imports and increased inventory. Indonesia's heightened nickel production contributed to elevated nickel inventory levels and reduced production costs. Meanwhile, domestic nickel supplies expanded due to increased mining activities in Indonesia. In contrast, crude steel production remained high. August saw a price increase for stainless steel CR Coil in China, which can be attributed to rising nickel prices and strong demand from the automotive industry, particularly in the electric vehicle sector. Indonesia's supply quotas for nickel further boosted nickel prices, benefiting Stainless-Steel CR Coil production in China. Demand in China's domestic market rose, particularly in the automotive sector, with electric vehicles driving growth.
Europe
The German market for stainless steel CR coils experienced a decline in the third quarter of 2023. This was primarily due to reduced demand and increased inventories within the local market. The downstream automotive industry faced intense competition from foreign manufacturers like Tesla. Although efforts were made to revitalize the electric vehicle (EV) sector, it continued to lag, with both domestic and foreign buyers waiting for further price reductions. The local supply of stainless-steel CR coils slightly increased while production stabilized because of weakened car consumption. High inventory levels persisted in the German spot market due to lower automotive, construction, and interior consumption. Demand from both domestic and foreign buyers remained weak as falling prices discouraged bulk orders. Tesla's presence in the automotive industry further diminished demand for stainless steel CR coils. Despite a surge in nickel prices, the price of stainless-steel CR coils decreased in Germany. Expansion in railways and the electric vehicle sector drove demand for stainless steel CR coils, leading to larger orders as economic conditions stabilized. Local policies also supported the stainless-steel CR coil suppliers.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
The US Stainless Steel CR Coil Sheet showed an initial increase in the second quarter of 2023 before beginning to decline in the third quarter. In April, the rise in the price of nickel as a feedstock on the international market helped to lower production costs for Stainless Steel CR Coil. Because of robust consumer spending at the beginning of the quarter, the consumer price index was higher than average, signaling a strong start to the second quarter's economy. The robust domestic downstream demand helped to keep the consumption rate on the higher side. The service industry experienced tremendous expansion, and because of rising customer demand, was able to offer services at higher offer prices. Because of the debt crisis and the rising rate of inflation, prices decreased somewhat significantly in the second quarter of H2. The formerly steady US economic system collapsed, and the market environment turned gloomy. As a result of the agreement the US government reached to extend the debt for two more years and the stability of US economic conditions, the price of the Stainless-Steel CR Coil Sheet increased in June. Consumer purchasing power was lowered because of the interest rate increase, increased living expenses, and diminishing household savings, which resulted in a decline in the demand for Stainless Steel CR Coil Sheets on the US spot market. At the end of the second quarter, the US government's numerous initiatives increased downstream demand for Stainless Steel CR Coil.
Asia-Pacific
Stainless Steel CR Coil sheet prices in China began to steadily fall in May and June after originally rising at the start of the second quarter. Prices surged in April as feedstock Nickel prices jumped, which gave the manufacturing of Stainless-Steel CR Coil Sheets on the Chinese spot market a significant cost boost. The price of Stainless-Steel CR Coil declined in the Chinese spot market in the latter half of the second quarter as a result of rising supply and weak downstream demand. The downstream demand from both domestic and international industries was at an all-time high. April's price increase was due to a controlled shipment by the suppliers. The overseas Indonesian mines' enhanced extraction and production rate led to an increase in the supply of feedstock nickel. Due to the abundance of pig iron and iron ore raw materials on the global market and their lower cost, the Chinese Stainless Steel CR Coil manufacturers were purchasing a significant volume of Indonesian nickel pig iron. Local Chinese mills saw a rise in production because of POSCO, a significant producer of stainless steel, increasing its output. Due to the introduction of the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, demand from downstream sectors decreased in the most recent quarter.
Europe
Prices for German Stainless Steel CR Coil Sheets originally increased before falling in the second quarter of 2023. The higher price of nickel feedstock in April contributed to considerable cost support to produce Stainless-Steel CR Coil in German mills. The local downstream auto industry saw a rise in demand because of the strong sales of electric vehicles. As a result, the Stainless-Steel CR Coil prices in the German spot market remained high in April. Inflation increased and the state of the world economy deteriorated in the second half of the quarter, which discouraged buyers from entering the market. Since Indonesian Nickel Pig Iron and Iron Ore were in high demand and available on the global market at discounted prices, the Chinese Stainless Steel CR Coil makers purchased a significant amount of it. As POSCO, a significant producer of stainless steel, boosted its output, production rates rose in the nearby Chinese mills. Due to the approaching Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, downstream businesses' demand decreased in the most recent quarter.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
In the US market, the Stainless Steel CR Coil prices showcased a downswing in the price momentum in the first quarter of 2023 owing to the falling raw material prices amidst the reduced buying sentiments. The number of stocks available in the spot market increased significantly in January. In February, certain Stainless-Steel products saw an increase in imports as high US prices made lower-cost imports more appealing. Companies in Europe and the US frequently rely on imports from Asia to meet their needs, as mills in these regions are often uninterested in large-scale production of grades. Service centers are concerned about rising Stainless Steel CR Coil prices amid the flurry of announcements, but most market participants believe the uptrend will end in the first quarter due to interest rate hikes and pressure on the US economy. Manufacturing output in the United States fell in March due to lower demand, production, and employment. Multiple buyers are concerned that pricing will peak and then fall off in the late second quarter and into the second half of the year. The SS-304 CR plate (6 mm) prices for Ex Florida (USA) settled at USD 6528/MT.
Asia Pacific
In the first quarter of 2023, the price trend of Stainless Steel CR Coils in the Chinese market remained stagnant. This was due to fluctuating raw material prices and production cuts, and maintenance in several steel mills. During the Chinese New Year, many plant closures caused Chinese stainless-steel producers to halt deliveries temporarily. Despite slow downstream demand recovery, steel plant resources continued to arrive, resulting in high stainless-steel stockpiles and lower resource usage than anticipated. The presence of inventory pressure made it challenging to maintain high stainless steel prices. However, the steel plant resumed production, downstream demand slowly recovered, and inventory remained high. Due to steel plant pressure, raw material prices, particularly ferronickel, have deteriorated. As a result, domestic iron factories implemented production reduction programs since they could not accept market-low pricing for ferronickel below the cost line. Weak demand and large inventory levels caused a decline in earnings, and the Stainless Steel-304 CR Coil (3 mm) prices for Ex Shanghai (China) settled at USD 2580/MT.
Europe
In the first quarter of 2023, the European market experienced stagnancy in the price trend of Stainless Steel CR Coils due to slow activity in both upstream coil demand and downstream tube and sheet demand. In January, import offers were not available on the market, and traditional sellers to southern Europe were not quoting, except for limited-time offers for small allocations that expire quickly. Steelmakers secured their order books for the first quarter, and many market participants viewed the increased demand as illusory. Despite European mills attempting to raise `Stainless Steel cold and hot rolled coil prices in February and March, most countries reported stable values compared to January. Furthermore, lead times for imported Asian-origin material increased, making import purchases less appealing. The mills' bullish mood in March was fueled by tight supply caused by last year's equipment stoppages and technical issues at some of Europe's plants. Consequently, the price of Stainless Steel-304 CR Sheet (2 mm) settled at USD 3199/MT due to limited supply.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
United States
Towards the end of 2022, the Stainless-Steel CR Coil prices showcased a persistent downward trend in the North American market owing to the higher supplies amidst constraint downstream demand outlook. Buyers were focused on reducing inventories, keeping them out of the spot market, and allowing them to take advantage of shorter lead times from domestic mills. Mills had maintained their margins, but as spot prices fell, they were forced to give, despite scrap dealers and traders claiming that the shredded scrap premium to prime grades was not sustainable beyond November. The peak of the off-season occurred in December, and the industrial chain had contracted even more due to this year's terminal demand. As a result, the price of SS-304 CR plate (6 mm) for Ex Florida (USA) settled at USD 6645/MT.
Asia Pacific
During the closure of the fourth quarter, the Stainless-Steel CR Coil prices edged downward in the Chinese market as the downstream inquiries decreased amidst the COVID control and prevention measures. According to market participants, the unplanned arrival of stainless-steel CR Coil after the festival and rising problems with raw material supply contributed to the October price increase. Some merchants provided discounts near the end of Q4. The explosion at an Indonesian nickel pig iron facility, the weak dollar, and news that the Goro mine in New Caledonia was reducing output due to a tailings dam leak all contributed to the nickel price increase. Mills were scrambling for nickel supplies because nickel producers had very little product available. On the demand side, Stainless steel prices rebounded more in mid-December, influenced by futures prices. As a result, the Ex Shanghai Stainless Steel 304 CR Coil (3 mm) price settled at USD 2668/MT.
Europe
In the European market, Stainless Steel CR Coil prices exhibited a price trend stagnancy in the fourth quarter of 2022, as prices remained unchanged due to persistently weak downstream demand. Due to increased price volatility, European steel producers considered moving to shorter terms with fixed-price contract customers, particularly automakers, in October. Some mills have ceased offering and will return to the market in the first half of January. Steelmakers' efforts to raise Stainless Steel CR Coil prices and values for January delivery remained consistent month after month, as Europe's current economic downturn did not support higher prices. Domestic prices for SS Cold-rolled coil in Europe were unchanged at the end of Q4 due to a market slowdown ahead of the Christmas holidays. Thus, the discussions of Stainless Steel-304 CR Sheet (2 mm) prices for Ex Ruhr (Germany) settled at USD 3138/MT.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
SS CR Coil prices in the North American market fell during the third quarter of 2022 as the market was divided on sentiment, with a price increase announced in mid-August failing to gain traction. The most extended lead times were reported in mid-September. Large service centers expressed their wait-and-see strategies had not changed in the last week as they await increased demand. The ongoing labor talks between the United Steelworkers (USW) and integrated steelmaker US Steel appeared to reach a stalemate towards the quarter end. Many buyers refused to make purchases that would increase their inventories, preferring to keep stocks tight rather than risk investing in an uncertain market. Many buyers were skeptical that the price increases do more than just level the demand. Towards the quarter end, the prices of Stainless Steel CR Coil were USD 7360 Ex Florida (USA).
Asia Pacific
In the Chinese market, Stainless Steel CR coil prices fell in the third quarter of 2022 amidst falling raw material prices and a subdued domestic and international demand outlook. Due to incomplete orders, buyers purchased materials sparingly, and market sales performance remained unsatisfactory in Q3. Stainless steel prices rose during the monsoon season in most Chinese provinces, and demand increased during the quarter. Meanwhile, Russian manufacturers offered attractive discounts on stainless steel to cater to Asia's mass market, which forced Chinese players to lower their export duty. Stainless steel mills continued to curtail production in August and September, despite high stainless-steel transactions. Market participants claim that there are currently few stainless-steel sheets available. Thus, the discussions for the Stainless Steel-304 CR plate (6 mm) prices for Ex Florida (USA) and CFR Alabama (USA) settled at USD 7360/MT and USD 6924/MT.
Europe
In the European market, the Stainless-Steel CR Coil prices plunged in the third quarter of 2022 because of the rising concerns about consumption, the energy crisis, and a looming European recession. According to market participants, steel sales in the second half of 2022 were much lower than expected, so distributors still had large stocks of flat steel products. Furthermore, trading activity remained low, and mills failed to pass on rising energy costs to steel prices. According to suppliers, the German players accumulated most of the coil stock in the European market, and distributors struggled to move supplies down when it came to commodity coils. In addition, rising energy prices impacted service centers, forcing them to operate at lower rates and consume less steel. Thus, the Stainless Steel-304 CR Sheet (2 mm) prices for Ex-Ruhr and FOB Hamburg settled at USD 3099/MT and USD 3243/MT, respectively.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
In the US market, the Stainless-Steel CR Coil prices increased due to the lower inventory level and the decline in production activity. Because of the rising inflationary pressures and supply-chain disruptions, new orders fell. Firms augmented production activity with current holdings of inputs and finished goods as input purchases slowed and supply chain delays eased. At the same time, firms raised inflationary concerns once more as business confidence in the year ahead fell. As a result of inflation, material shortages, and delivery delays, some customers paused or reduced their purchases of goods, which was accompanied by a renewed decline in overseas buyer demand. As per market players, the manufacturing sector in the United States remains demand-driven, and supply-chain constrained. As a ripple effect, the prices of stainless-steel CR coils surged.
Asia Pacific
In the Indian market, the price of SS 304 CR Coil (2 mm) witnessed an upswing during the second quarter of 2022 due to the robust demand and higher nickel prices. As per domestic suppliers, manufacturers have passed hikes on the cost increase to end consumers, which has led to a dampening of demand, hurting the Steel industry further. In addition to rising materials costs, fluctuating exchange rates and rising operational costs are other factors driving price increases in the country following Production curtailment. Additionally, India imposes a 15% import tax on stainless steel coils and Aluminium extrusion, a further bullish factor for overseas stainless-steel exporters. Mills are working on other prospects to prevail in the export market amid the export duties. As per market players, several weeks of sturdy demand have kept domestic and export prices for stainless steel in India and import prices in East Asia stable. As a ripple effect, the SS 304 CR Coil (2 mm) prices for Ex. Chennai (India) settled at INR 320000/MT.
Europe
Stainless Steel 304 CR Sheet prices in Germany fell in the second quarter of 2022 due to a lack of domestic and international demand amidst higher inventory levels. According to market participants, Stainless Steel 304 CR Sheet prices fell roughly 30% in May due to cheaper Asian imports and much higher alloy surcharges, as well as a slowing economy and dwindling demand. The weak demand outlook from domestic mills and lower raw material costs, particularly nickel, exacerbated demand concerns and pushed Stainless Steel 304 CR Sheet prices down. Market participants believe that Germany is oversupplied and that flat CR stainless steel base prices remain under pressure due to weak demand. Faced with such weak fundamentals, several mills embarked on longer-than-usual maintenance turnarounds this summer. While the market is still under pressure due to a lack of direction, several market participants believe it will begin to recover in September. As a result, the Ex Ruhr (Germany) price for Stainless Steel-304 CR Sheet (2 mm) has been set at USD 1510/MT.
For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
In the US, the Stainless Steel 304 prices appear moderate in the US market, with inventories and demand maintaining healthy levels during the first quarter of 2022. Despite the recent opening of mills, purchases have been sluggish as buyers tend to source as per their requirements, keeping the wait-and-see sentiment in the spot market. As per market participants, stainless steel 304 is stable in the US market, but higher prices are anticipated in the forthcoming weeks. Furthermore, rising prices in the Stainless Steel 304 market are cooling during March as the market adjusts to current realities and a possible slowdown in demand. While mills reportedly ask as much for further orders, several buyers report little buying activity at these levels. Thus, market players opted for a wait-and-watch outlook amid the stagnant demand.
Asia
The price of Stainless Steel-304 CR Coil in Asia increased during the first quarter of 2022 due to rising raw material prices, primarily nickel and iron ore. This upward trend is primarily supported by Russia's and Ukraine's ongoing hostility. However, the impact is doubled with the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in several Chinese cities. Because of the growing number of Omicron cases in China, authorities have suppressed onloading and offloading activities, increasing port congestion and traffic. Furthermore, rising coking coal and nickel prices have hampered steel production and exacerbated market dynamics for Stainless Steel-304 CR Coil. The price of Stainless Steel-304 CR Coil for Ex Shanghai settled at USD 2925/MT during Q1 of 2022 due to the ripple effect.
Europe
In Europe, the Stainless Steel 304 CR Coil prices witnessed an inclining trend owing to robust demand from the downstream sector. The Russia-Ukraine war and its ramifications, particularly on raw materials and logistics in China's significantly rising COVID-19 issues, have a dual impact on supply and demand dynamics. The rising procurement risk, financial constraints, and port bottleneck all increased Stainless Steel 304 CR Coil prices. However, increasing availability uncertainty and rising safety and security concerns are among the significant concerns. As per market participants, rising supply chain delays and input cost inflation due to stretched supply chains put inflationary pressure on raw material prices. As a ripple effect, the soaring raw material prices further provoked Stainless Steel 304 CR Coil prices to surge in the regional market.
