For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Stainless-Steel CR Coil Price Index in North America declined by approximately 3.1% quarter on quarter in Q2 2025, reflecting a broad softening of prices across the region compared to Q1 2025.
• Production cost pressures eased modestly through the quarter as key raw materials like nickel and chromium stabilized, and energy and logistics expenses showed signs of softening
• Demand remained moderate but cautious automotive production orders provided some support, though broader industrial and construction sectors showed signs of restraint amid economic uncertainty.
• Continued mild weakness is anticipated in the near term unless import restrictions or stronger downstream activity emerge. Longer term forecasts suggest potential stabilization or moderate recovery later in 2025 if demand improves.
• During the quarter’s start, domestic mills responded to balancing supply and demand by holding Stainless Steel CR Coil Price, with mill utilization rising to ~76%, supporting steady production capacity.
• By mid quarter, improved supply driven by U.S. production gains and low antidumping margins on imports began exceeding demand, especially outside automotive channels, pushing the Stainless-Steel CR Coil Price Index lower.
Why did the Stainless Steel CR Coil price change in July 2025 in North America?
In early July, domestic CR coil prices increased, as U.S. mills, including North American Stainless, instituted price hikes following the doubling of Section 232 import tariffs to 50% as of June 3. That tariff spike, combined with announced domestic mill price increases effective from July 1, prompted buyers to pre purchase inventory, pushing short term price momentum upward.
APAC
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Price Index in APAC declined by approximately 3.8% quarter on quarter in Q2 2025, reflecting oversupply and tepid demand across the region, including major markets like China, Indonesia and others.
• Although input costs including energy and nickel remained elevated, the Stainless Steel CR Coil Production Cost Trend offered insufficient support to prices due to heavy overstock and weak consumption, keeping cost pressure unable to offset price declines.
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Demand Outlook across APAC stayed subdued, as softer end user sectors in automotive, construction and manufacturing led to limited offtake despite underlying regional industrial activity remaining modest.
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Price Forecast for the region anticipates continued weakness unless export demand picks up or supply is scaled back; upside risk remains limited in the short term Steel Rebar Price Forecast: With persistent surplus and sluggish off take in key markets, prices are expected to remain soft into the medium term unless government stimulus or export demand picks up significantly.
Why did the price of Stainless Steel CR Coil change in July 2025 in Asia?
In July 2025, the Stainless Steel CR Coil Price Index for APAC showed a moderate increase, driven primarily by rising spot prices in China: for example, Wuxi 304 grade stainless CR coil was assessed at USD 1,776 / t, up by ~USD 50/t WoW (approx. +2.9%). While global import CRC prices slightly declined, offshore markets in East Asia rose, narrowing regional price gaps and buoying APAC price index levels.
Europe
• Stainless Steel CR Coil Price Index in Europe rose by approximately 5 % compared to Q1 2025, reflecting tightening supply and modest demand recovery in the region.
• Stainless Steel CR Coil Production Cost Trend, energy and raw-material costs—including nickel and chromium—remained elevated through the start of the quarter, sustaining production cost pressures. Mid quarter, capacity utilization dipped as European mills continued production cuts, slightly reducing cost intensity. By the end of the quarter, cost relief was limited by continued regulatory and input cost burdens.
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Demand Outlook improved moderately, supported by stronger automotive activity across Germany. Passenger car registrations and export volumes picked up, boosting coil consumption in auto manufacturing and industrial sectors. Demand remained uneven but showed promise mid quarter and held well by quarter end despite broader economic caution.
• In terms of Stainless Steel CR Coil Price Forecast, moderate further gains are expected late in 2025 if tightening supply persists and trade restrictions curb imports. However, importer diversion pressure and macro weakness may temper the pace of any rally.
• Supply conditions weakened over the quarter as major producers like ArcelorMittal implemented production cuts at key plants in Germany (Hamburg, Duisburg) and France, while EU import quota caps restricted inflows from countries like Vietnam and Taiwan. This reduced available stock and supported price firmness in early to mid quarter.
• Despite positive automotive trends, service centres and traders began destocking by end quarter; inventories remained relatively high and import competition grew, constraining further price escalation.
Why did the price change in July 2025 in Europe?
In July, European Stainless Steel CR Coil prices decreased. Regional cold rolled coil prices softened by roughly 4–5 %, impacted by slowing seasonal demand, lingering oversupply, a surge in cheap Asian imports, and cautious restocking behavior
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Price Index in the North American market increased significantly in the first quarter of 2025, buoyed by robust domestic demand and supply constraints in the global market.
• Why did the price Stainless Steel CR Coil change in April 2025?
In early April 2025, Stainless Steel CR Coil prices increased marginally due to continued supply shortages and strong demand from industrial sectors, especially in Mexico.
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Spot Price in Mexico reached USD 1,395/MT FOB Manzanillo, reflecting a 5% rise compared to Q4 2024.
• Key factors included import restrictions, port congestion, and logistics inefficiencies, which limited supply and pushed prices higher.
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Demand Outlook remained positive, with sustained consumption from production-related industries contributing to market strength.
• Despite logistical disruptions, the market maintained a bullish trend amid constrained imports and solid domestic purchasing momentum.
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Production Cost Trend reflected increases due to elevated energy costs and higher raw material prices.
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Price Forecast for Q2 2025 anticipates further price strength if supply-side issues persist and industrial activity remains resilient.
Europe
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Price Index in Europe witnessed an upward trend during Q1 2025, supported by tightening supply and surging production costs.
• Why did the price Stainless Steel CR Coil change in April 2025?
Prices increased in early April, driven by environmental compliance costs and disrupted logistics in major markets like Germany.
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Spot Price in Germany (2 mm, FD-Ruhr) reached USD 2,935/MT, marking a 1% quarter-on-quarter increase.
• Supply chain challenges—such as longer shipping routes, port congestion, and equipment shortages—amplified price pressures.
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Demand Outlook remained steady, though tempered by rising operational challenges and moderate manufacturing activity.
• The EU Emissions Trading System added further cost burdens, contributing to the Stainless Steel CR Coil Production Cost Trend.
• Germany led regional price changes, showing consistent growth despite temporary plant-level disruptions.
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Price Forecast indicates further upward movement, especially if regulatory and shipping challenges persist into Q2.
APAC (Asia-Pacific)
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Price Index in APAC declined sharply in Q1 2025, driven by persistent oversupply and lackluster demand.
• Why did the price Stainless Steel CR Coil change in April 2025?
Prices decreased in the first week of April, reflecting continuing weak consumption across major sectors and surplus inventory levels.
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Spot Price in China’s Ex-Shanghai market fell to USD 1,212/MT, a 5.9% drop from the previous quarter.
• China, as the region’s key price driver, set the tone with significant downward pricing trends.
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Demand Outlook was negative, impacted by tepid activity in automotive, construction, and manufacturing sectors.
• High input costs did not translate into price support due to saturated inventories and limited procurement.
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Production Cost Trend remained elevated, though unable to offset bearish market pressures.
• The Stainless Steel CR Coil Price Forecast for Q2 2025 suggests continued price weakness unless export demand improves or supply is curtailed.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American Stainless Steel CR Coil market continued its bearish trend from Q3 into Q4 2024, with prices remaining under pressure in Mexico's FOB Manzanillo market. This sustained weakness reflects persistent challenges in both supply and demand fundamentals across the region. Meanwhile, the quarter was marked by continued supply-demand imbalances.
Despite ongoing supply chain disruptions, including input shortages and logistics delays, domestic production levels remained elevated. Moreover, the market faced additional pressure from rising operational costs and reduced purchasing activity, contributing to the overall bearish sentiment. Additionally, Q4 witnessed further deterioration in demand patterns, extending the weakness observed in Q3. End-user industries showed limited buying interest, while increased production levels continued to oversupply the market.
This combination of factors maintained downward pressure on prices throughout the quarter. Furthermore, Mexico remained a focal point of market activity, with its pricing trends influencing the broader North American market. The persistent combination of robust domestic production and subdued demand created a challenging pricing environment, suggesting limited prospects for immediate recovery.
Europe
The European Stainless Steel CR Coil market demonstrated significant weakness in Q4 2024, with prices settling at USD 2805/MT Stainless Steel-304 CR Sheet (2 mm) FD-Ruhr in Germany, representing a 1% decline from Q3. This downward movement reflects a confluence of challenging market conditions affecting the region. Additionally, Germany emerged as the epicentre of price movements, setting the tone for the broader European market. The quarter was characterized by persistent oversupply conditions, while demand remained subdued. Global economic uncertainties and ongoing geopolitical tensions further complicated the market landscape, adding to the bearish sentiment. Moreover, Key end-user sectors, notably automotive and construction, continued to show weakness in consumption patterns. This reduced demand, combined with abundant supply availability, maintained steady downward pressure on prices. Both year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter comparisons indicated negative growth, underlining the sustained nature of market challenges. While pricing pressures were evident across Europe, Germany's market conditions proved particularly influential in shaping regional trends. In a result the combination of oversupply, weakened demand, and regulatory challenges created a consistently bearish pricing environment throughout the quarter.
APAC
The APAC Stainless Steel CR Coil market exhibited significant weakness during Q4 2024, with prices in China's Ex-Shanghai market settling at USD 1,214/MT, representing a notable 4% decline from Q3 levels. This downward trajectory was primarily driven by persistent oversupply conditions and subdued demand fundamentals across the region. China, maintaining its position as the key price influencer, experienced the most pronounced price movements, setting the tone for regional market trends. The quarter was characterized by elevated input costs and sluggish market activity, which continued to exert downward pressure on prices. Moreover, demand patterns remained weak, extending the trend observed in previous quarters, while abundant supply levels further contributed to the bearish market sentiment. Additionally, the market dynamics were further complicated by reduced consumption across major end-use sectors, creating additional pressure on prices throughout the quarter. These challenges were particularly evident in China, where market conditions significantly influenced regional pricing trends. The combination of persistent oversupply and weakened demand maintained bearish sentiment throughout Q4, suggesting limited prospects for immediate price recovery.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American region experienced a stable pricing environment for Stainless Steel CR Coil. This quarter has been characterized by consistent market conditions, with prices remaining steady due to a balance in supply and demand dynamics. Moreover, Factors like stable production levels, moderate demand, and overall market stability influenced the pricing trend.
Moreover, the correlation in price changes between the first and second half of the quarter remained stable, indicating a relatively flat trajectory. Additionally, domestic production has decreased month-on-month but shows improvement year-on-year. Moreover, the supply chain has faced various challenges, including input shortages, customs delays, and rising input costs, adding to the complexity of the market dynamics. Furthermore, the demand for Stainless Steel CR coil in Mexico has also experienced a stability. As a result, prices of Stainless-Steel CR coil in Mexico remained stable.
The latest quarter-ending price for SS-304 CR Plate (6 mm) FOB Manzanillo in Mexico was recorded at USD 4877/MT, underscoring the stable pricing sentiment prevalent throughout the quarter.
APAC
Throughout Q3 2024, the Stainless-Steel CR Coil market in the APAC region has experienced a period of decreasing prices, influenced by a combination of factors. The market has been notably impacted by persistent oversupply, sluggish demand, and rising input costs. These challenges have created a downward pressure on prices, leading to a negative trend in the pricing environment.
In China, which has seen the most significant price changes, the Stainless-Steel CR Coil market has reflected overall trends in the region. Additionally, there is a decrease compared to the same quarter last year which underscores the market's struggles. Despite no change from the previous quarter in 2024, the comparison between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a slight decline of 1%.
The latest price recorded at USD 1313/MT for Stainless Steel-201 CR Coil (1 mm) Ex Shanghai in China signifies the prevailing decreasing sentiment in the market, highlighting the challenges faced by industry players in navigating pricing dynamics amidst a complex operating environment.
Europe
The third quarter of 2024 for Stainless Steel CR Coil pricing in the Europe region has been characterized by stability, with prices remaining constant due to consistent supply and demand dynamics. Various factors have influenced market prices, such as steady supply conditions, cautious market sentiment, and stable demand from downstream industries like construction and automotive sectors. These factors have contributed to a balanced pricing environment throughout the quarter.
Germany has experienced notable price changes, reflecting the overall European trend. Price trends have shown an increase from the same quarter last year, indicating a slight uptick in pricing dynamics. Additionally, the quarter recorded an increase from the previous quarter in 2024, signaling a positive trajectory in pricing trends. Moreover, the comparison between the first and second half of the quarter showed no significant price fluctuations.
The quarter-ending price for Stainless Steel-304 CR Sheet (2 mm) FD-Ruhr in Germany settled at USD 2852/MT, reflecting the stable pricing sentiment prevalent in the European region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: What's currently driving stainless steel CR coil prices in different regions?
Prices are largely driven by raw material costs (especially nickel and chromium), regional supply-demand dynamics, and global trade policies like tariffs. Strong industrial demand, particularly from the automotive and construction sectors, also plays a key role.
Q2: Which regions are the top producers and consumers of Stainless Steel CR coil?
Asia Pacific, especially China, is the largest producer and consumer due to its robust manufacturing sector. Other significant players include Europe and North America, with localized supply-demand dynamics influencing prices.
Q3: What are the main applications of Stainless Steel CR coil?
Stainless Steel CR coils are extensively used in construction (facades, roofing), automotive (body panels, components), appliances, kitchenware, and industrial machinery, valued for their corrosion resistance and smooth finish.
Q4: What are the primary challenges and opportunities in the global Stainless Steel CR coil market?
Challenges include supply chain disruptions and volatile raw material prices. Opportunities lie in increasing demand from new energy vehicles, sustainable construction, and the push for greener production methods.
