For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Stainless Steel 304 Round Bar Price Index in North America remained stable quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, reflecting a delicate balance between muted demand and cautious supply-side adjustments. Despite a mixed backdrop in industrial activity, prices showed resilience as mills prioritized margin preservation over aggressive volume-based pricing.
• Production Cost Trends showed softening in Q2 due to declines in key inputs like nickel and stainless scrap. While this eased mill-side pressure, rising logistics costs — notably from Asia to Gulf ports — offset some of that relief. U.S. domestic producers also faced headwinds from stronger foreign competition, with tariffs only partially deterring competitively priced imports.
• The Demand Outlook remained moderately supportive, especially within non-residential construction segments. However, service centers and distributors continued operating with lean inventories, mirroring a hand-to-mouth buying pattern. June saw a modest 1.5% month-on-month decline in Philadelphia prices, as downstream demand, especially from mechanical and fabrication sectors, softened.
Why did the price of SS 304 Round Bar change in July 2025 in North America?
Despite June’s price drop, spot prices in July appeared more stable, with early restocking, modest activity in aerospace and infrastructure, and controlled inventory replenishment offering short-term support. The Price Forecast remains neutral to slightly bearish as ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and tightened credit conditions cap aggressive procurement in Q3.
Asia Pacific (APAC)
• In APAC, the SS 304 Round Bar Price Index declined by 5.6% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, led by persistent oversupply from Chinese mills and fragile downstream demand. Despite moderate export activity, domestic price realization weakened significantly under inventory pressure and mill-gate competition.
• Production Cost Trends were squeezed as feedstock prices, including nickel pig iron (NPI), remained firm while finished bar prices dropped. High-carbon ferrochrome and alloying agents showed little relief, but mills were forced to prioritize sales continuity, reducing prices rather than slashing output. The ex-works pricing basis protected mills from freight volatility, but didn't insulate them from demand fatigue.
• The Demand Outlook deteriorated in Q2. Fabrication, industrial equipment, and residential construction all reported slowdowns. Export destinations like South Korea and the EU also saw rising trade barriers, which limited Chinese exporters' ability to clear inventories abroad. June saw a marginal 1.0% price drop from Dainan, following a sharper 4.5% fall in May, highlighting how structural oversupply continues to erode price stability.
Why did the price of SS 304 Round Bar change in July 2025 in APAC?
July prices remained under pressure in the APAC region, with limited rebound expected due to weak domestic off-take, slow-moving inventories, and lukewarm export interest. The Price Forecast remains bearish for Q3 unless infrastructure stimulus or unexpected policy shifts significantly lift local demand or drain stockpiles.
Europe
• In Europe, the SS 304 Round Bar Price Index increased by 4.9% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, marking a rare divergence from global trends. The uptick, concentrated in June, reflected a reactionary move by mills under intense margin pressure and growing unease over cheap Asian imports.
• Production Cost Trends remained elevated due to high energy prices, environmental compliance costs, and tight capacity utilization at German mills. While imports from Asia grew sharply, pricing discipline eroded among European producers only briefly before stabilizing toward the end of the quarter, as mills sought to recover thin margins and combat weakening cash flows.
• The Demand Outlook was mixed across the Eurozone. While Italy posted moderate construction growth, Germany and France dragged overall performance with weak building starts and manufacturing orders. The modest recovery in automotive output offered limited support, though it skewed toward flat rather than long product consumption. Price competition intensified, especially in June, as mills in the Ruhr region responded to a flood of undercutting Asian offers.
Why did the price of SS 304 Round Bar change in July 2025 in Europe?
After a volatile Q2, July prices showed a stabilizing bias, supported by expectations around the enforcement of CBAM and restocking from selected machinery and energy sector buyers. The Price Forecast is cautiously optimistic, hinging on successful trade defense implementation and any pickup in public infrastructure activity across the Eurozone.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
• The Stainless Steel Round Bar Price Index in North American market witnessed a decline of around 1.3% in Q1 2025, with the spot price settling at USD 6279/MT for 25 mm material (DEL Philadelphia, USA).
• Why did the price of Stainless Steel Round Bar change in April 2025?
The price decline in early April grew from subdued demand due to economic uncertainties, while supply remained stable owing to consistent production rates, thereby creating an imbalance.
• The Stainless Steel Round Bar Demand Outlook weakened, reflecting restrained purchasing activity across key sectors and overall bearish sentiment in the region.
• The Stainless Steel Round Bar Production Cost Trend remained relatively steady; however, supply chain disruptions and broader economic concerns pressured downstream activity.
• Seasonal trends and domestic market volatility in the USA notably influenced pricing, further dragging down the regional Price Index.
• Moving forward, businesses must track shifts in supply-demand metrics and economic indicators to adapt to ongoing price volatility.
• Overall, Stainless Steel Round Bar Price Forecast for the coming months remains conservative, given the uncertain demand environment.
Europe
• The Stainless Steel Round Bar Price Index in Europe showed a 1% increase in Q1 2025, closing at USD 3970/MT for 25 mm SS 304 Round Bar (Ex Ruhr, Germany).
• Why did the price of Stainless Steel Round Bar change in April 2025?
Early April's price rise was primarily due to supply constraints, including port congestion, longer shipping times, and plant-level disruptions that squeezed availability.
• The Stainless Steel Round Bar Demand Outlook remained resilient despite production issues, supported by recovering industrial activity and regional construction demand.
• Environmental regulations, particularly the EU Emissions Trading System, drove up the Stainless Steel Round Bar Production Cost Trend, adding to price pressures.
• Freight costs surged due to equipment shortages and longer logistical routes, further supporting upward price momentum in the Price Index.
• Germany led regional price increases, sustaining bullish sentiment across Europe throughout the quarter.
• The Stainless Steel Round Bar Price Forecast for the region indicates sustained firmness if supply-side constraints and environmental compliance costs persist.
APAC (Asia-Pacific)
• The Stainless Steel Round Bar Price Index in the APAC region dropped 6.2% in Q1 2025, with prices ending at USD 2090/MT for 50 mm SS 304 Round Bar (Ex Dainan, China).
• Why did the price of Stainless Steel Round Bar change in April 2025?
Early April saw continued price declines due to oversupply from China, where producers pushed volumes into the market amid sluggish demand.
• The Stainless Steel Round Bar Demand Outlook was weak, as global economic slowdown weighed heavily on industrial and manufacturing consumption across the region.
• China faced the steepest declines, as producers offered steep discounts to manage inventory, further deteriorating the Price Index.
• Despite oversupply, Stainless Steel Round Bar Production Cost Trend remained stable, as Chinese plants operated without major disruptions, maintaining smooth supply chains.
• The competitive pricing environment, driven by inventory pressure, defined the quarter’s bearish sentiment.
• The Stainless Steel Round Bar Price Forecast points to potential stabilization only if production is curtailed or demand recovers in downstream sectors like construction and transportation.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American Stainless Steel Round Bar market experienced a challenging fourth quarter in 2024, characterized by declining prices amidst fluctuating market conditions. Prices ended the quarter at USD 6,171/MT for Stainless Steel Round Bar (25 mm) DEL Philadelphia in the USA, reflecting a 2% decline compared to the previous quarter.
Several factors drove this negative trend. Supply levels increased due to consistent production, maintaining sufficient availability in the market. However, demand declined, restrained by broader economic uncertainties and subdued purchasing activity. The imbalance between supply and demand contributed to a challenging pricing environment, with bearish market sentiment dominating throughout the quarter.
Seasonality played a notable role in the price movements, mirroring the typical trends in the final months of the year. While global economic uncertainties continued to influence the market, the USA saw the most significant domestic price fluctuations, further dragging down the regional pricing landscape. Supply chain disruptions added to market sluggishness, compounding the overall challenges faced by the sector. Moving forward, careful monitoring of economic trends and supply-demand metrics will remain critical to navigating this subdued market environment.
Europe
The European Stainless Steel Round Bar market experienced a bearish pricing environment in Q4 2024, with prices declining by 1% quarter-on-quarter. The quarter concluded with SS 304 Round Bar (25 mm) Ex Ruhr in Germany priced at USD 3,876/MT, reflecting downward shifts in market dynamics. Several factors contributed to this decline. Global economic uncertainties weighed heavily on market sentiment, while weak demand from key industrial sectors exacerbated the sluggish environment. Efforts by producers to align supply with market conditions were challenged by increased supply levels that outpaced demand, leading to imbalanced market fundamentals. Additionally, Germany saw the most notable price adjustments in the region. Although prices remained relatively steady compared to the same quarter last year, imbalances in supply and demand exerted downward pressure throughout the quarter. Operational difficulties facing the broader German economy further added complexity to the market environment. The overall sentiment for Stainless Steel Round Bar in Europe during Q4 2024 remained bearish. As supply continued to outstrip demand, market players remained cautious, closely monitoring economic developments and their impact on market dynamics.
APAC
The APAC Stainless Steel Round Bar market faced sustained downward pressure in Q4 2024, with prices declining by 3% compared to the previous quarter. The quarter-ending price for SS 304 Round Bar (50 mm) Ex Dainan in China was recorded at USD 2,112/MT, underscoring the continued negative sentiment in the market.
Oversupply emerged as a key factor driving the declines, particularly from China, which dominated regional production. High supply levels created a competitive market environment, with producers offering significant discounts to clear inventory. Weak demand compounded the issue, driven by the global economic slowdown that affected manufacturing and services sectors. This imbalance between supply and demand led to consistent downward price movement throughout the quarter.
China bore the brunt of these challenges, experiencing the most significant price changes in the region. The bearish market sentiment reflected persistent oversupply and muted consumption, especially in major end-use sectors. Despite these difficulties, plant operations faced minimal disruptions, providing reliability in supply flows across the market. The overall quarter was defined by declining prices, reflecting the structural imbalance in market fundamentals.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American Stainless Steel Round Bar market remained stable, with prices showing little fluctuation. Additionally, Various factors influenced market prices during this period. Additionally, supply remained consistent, with adequate availability of Stainless Steel Round Bar. Moreover, Demand held steady, supported by ongoing economic activities and manufacturing trends. While global economic uncertainties persisted, the market in North America remained resilient, maintaining a balanced pricing environment.
The USA, experiencing the most significant price changes within the domestic market, saw a marginal decrease compared to the same quarter last year. Furthermore, Overall trends indicated a stable pricing landscape, with minimal movement recorded from the previous quarter. Additionally, Seasonality and correlation in price changes were notable, reflecting a consistent market sentiment. Despite challenges such as supply chain disruptions, the market maintained its stability.
As the quarter concluded, the price for Stainless Steel Round Bar (25 mm) DEL Philadelphia in the USA stood at USD 6373/MT, indicating a steady pricing environment throughout Q3 2024.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European Stainless Steel Round Bar market remained stable, with prices showing no significant fluctuations. Various factors influenced market prices during this period, including global economic uncertainties, steady demand from industrial sectors, and efforts by producers to adjust to changing market conditions. The market was characterized by moderate supply levels and moderate demand, with no major disruptions reported.
Germany experienced the most significant price changes in the region, with prices remaining relatively steady compared to the same quarter last year. The quarter recorded a reflecting a consistent pricing trend due to demand and supply remain balanced. Overall trends indicated a stable pricing environment, with no drastic shifts in market dynamics. Additionally, the German economy faces some challenges, with operational difficulties affecting the industry. Furthermore, despite these challenges prices of Stainless-Steel Round Bar remain stable in German market.
The quarter-ending price for SS 304 Round Bar (25 mm) Ex Ruhr in Germany was USD 3876/MT, underscoring the stable pricing sentiment observed throughout the quarter.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the APAC region experienced a challenging period for Stainless Steel Round Bar pricing, marked by decreasing prices. Several significant factors influenced market prices, including oversupply, weak demand, and economic uncertainties. High supply levels, particularly from China, created a competitive environment, leading to price declines. The global economic slowdown, especially in the manufacturing and services sectors, contributed to dampened demand, further pressuring prices downwards.
China, as a key player, witnessed the most significant price changes, with stainless steel facing bearish conditions and substantial discounts due to oversupply. Despite these challenges, the market remained stable, with prices showing a consistent decrease throughout the quarter. The quarter saw a price comparison between the first and second half, resulting in a slight decline of 1%.
The quarter-ending price for SS 304 Round Bar (50 mm) Ex Dainan in China stood at USD 2271/MT, reflecting the prevailing negative sentiment in the pricing environment. Disruptions in plant operations were minimal during the quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the current price of SS 304 Round Bar?
Prices vary by region, with Europe experiencing a moderate price rise in Q2 2025, while APAC saw notable declines and North America remained broadly stable. As of July 2025, the price of SS 304 Round Bar was settled at USD 2,340/MT on an ex-works Dainan basis, with global trends reflecting cautious buying, regional oversupply, and shifting input costs.
2. Who are the top SS 304 Round Bar producers in APAC and North America?
Key producers in APAC include Tsingshan Group, Baosteel, and Yongjin, which dominate stainless long product output in China. In North America, major suppliers such as Outokumpu USA, North American Stainless (NAS), and Valbruna Stainless cater to aerospace, construction, and mechanical sectors with domestic melt shops and value-added processing capabilities.
3. What is the SS 304 Round Bar Price Forecast for Q3 2025?
The forecast indicates bearish to neutral price trends globally. North America may see further caution due to macroeconomic headwinds and lean distributor inventories. APAC faces continued pressure from oversupply and weak export sentiment. In Europe, pricing may hold steady or rise slightly, depending on the enforcement of trade barriers like CBAM and infrastructure-led restocking.
4. How is the SS 304 Round Bar Production Cost Trend impacting global prices?
Production costs softened modestly in North America and APAC during Q2 2025 due to declines in scrap and select alloy inputs. However, in Europe, high energy and regulatory costs maintained upward pressure. Despite these differences, global prices continue to be shaped more by inventory overhangs, import competition, and fragmented demand than by cost fundamentals alone.
