- 304 and 430 prices remain unchanged
- Flat pricing to support export sales
Taiwan-based stainless steel producer Yieh United Steel Corporation (Yusco) has kept domestic stainless steel prices unchanged for July, ending a series of consecutive price increases as the company seeks to support distributors in securing export orders amid stable international market conditions.
Under the latest pricing announcement, 304 and 430 stainless steel grades will remain unchanged, while the 316L alloy surcharge has also been maintained at June levels.
The decision comes as global stainless steel transaction prices have largely stabilised, prompting the producer to prioritise export competitiveness over further price increases. Market participants noted that maintaining flat prices could help Taiwanese distributors compete more effectively in overseas markets.
Despite the stable pricing, Yusco continues to face elevated production costs. Higher prices for high-grade nickel pig iron (NPI) and imported stainless steel scrap, along with a weaker New Taiwan Dollar and rising global freight rates, continue to increase manufacturing costs and pressure margins.
Although base metal prices have softened following the US Federal Reserve’s decision to keep benchmark interest rates unchanged, the resulting strength in the US dollar has offset part of the benefit by increasing import costs for raw materials.
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