China Stainless Steel Market Update: Prices Slightly Weak – Export Opportunities for Buyers

This week, China’s stainless steel futures saw a minor rebound at the beginning, but the overall market trend remains slightly weak. Spot prices of key grades edged down, while inventory levels remain high. Export supply is stable, offering opportunities for overseas buyers to secure reliable material at competitive prices.

Related Products:

Stainless Steel Coils & Strips    Stainless Steel Sheet    Seamless Stainless Steel Pipe    Stainless Steel Welded Pipe    Stainless Steel Angle    Stainless Steel Flat Bar    Stainless Steel Round Bars

1. Market Overview

  • Futures Market:

    • Closing price (main contract): 12,365 RMB/ton (+0.61% from last week)

    • Weekly low: 12,255 RMB/ton

    • Early-week rebound was followed by renewed weakness; market sentiment cautious

  • Spot Market:

    • Small declines observed for most stainless steel grades

    • Demand remains mostly essential purchases, typical for the traditional off-season

    • High inventory ensures sufficient export supply

    • Some domestic traders offer promotions to improve cash flow

  • Production & Supply:

    • Steel mills maintain high production levels, ensuring reliable delivery

    • Raw material costs remain relatively stable, allowing moderate mill profitability

    • Exporters can expect stable lead times despite weak domestic demand

2. Key Stainless Steel Prices & Trends (Week 48 vs. Week 47)

304 Stainless Steel (2B / BA):

  • Most grades slightly declined (-0.16% to -0.30%)

  • BA surface types remained mostly stable (0.00% change)

  • Price range: 12,180 – 13,400 RMB/ton

201 Stainless Steel (J1/J2/J5 / 2B):

  • Slight declines, with some J1/J5 grades dropping up to 1.29%

  • Price range: 6,610 – 7,800 RMB/ton

430 Stainless Steel (2B / 2BA / BA):

  • Prices mostly down 0.14%–1.66%, with some BA grades stable

  • Price range: 7,130 – 9,820 RMB/ton

Other Grades & Scrap:

  • 316 scrap: slight decrease (-0.47%)

  • 201 scrap: small increase (+1.1%)

  • 304 scrap: small increase (0.34%–0.56%)

  • 430 scrap: mixed, mostly slight decreases

Observation: Most major grades saw minor week-on-week decreases. Stable inventory and steady mill production provide opportunities for international buyers to negotiate prices or secure immediate shipments.

3. Implications for Overseas Buyers

  • Negotiation Advantage: Slight domestic price declines and ample supply offer buyers flexibility.

  • Reliable Export Supply: High production and inventory levels ensure timely delivery of 201, 304, 316, and 430 stainless steel coils, sheets, and BA finishes.

  • Planning Orders: Off-season market conditions may allow better lead times and potentially favorable pricing for bulk orders.

  • Monitoring: Buyers should watch raw material prices, mill production plans, and macroeconomic policies that may impact export pricing.

4. Recommended Action

Contact Orinox Steel today for the latest export quotations or to secure your stainless steel coils, sheets, or BA finish products. Take advantage of current market stability to ensure reliable supply and competitive prices.