- Sep surcharges show mixed grade-wise movements
- Chrome costs influence 430 surcharge movements
Major European stainless steel producers Outokumpu, Acerinox, and Aperam have announced their September 2026 alloy surcharges, with movements varying across grades amid changes in nickel and molybdenum costs. The latest revisions indicate a mixed trend in austenitic grades, while 430 surcharges were influenced mainly by developments in chrome costs.
Outokumpu set its September surcharge for 304 (EN 1.4301) at EUR 2,235/t ($2,602/t,) up EUR 7/t ($8/t) m-o-m, while 316L (EN 1.4404) declined by EUR 55/t ($64/t) to EUR 4,047/t ($4,411/t). The surcharge for 430 (EN 1.4016) rose by EUR 9/t ($10/t) to EUR 1,092/t ($1,271/t). Outokumpu has an annual melt production capacity of around 2.55 mnt and strip capacity of 1.6 mnt.
Acerinox also increased surcharges for most of its key austenitic grades, with 304 declining by EUR 106/t($126/t) to EUR 2,152/t ($2,505/t) and 316L increasing by EUR 82/t($95/t) to EUR 3,932/t($4,577/t). The surcharge for 201 (EN 1.4372) increased by EUR 34/t ($39/t)to EUR 1,866/t, while 430 increased by EUR 6/t ($7/t)to EUR 1,063/t ($1,237/t). Acerinox has an annual melting capacity of around 3.5 mnt.
Meanwhile, Aperam’s surcharge movement was mixed. The 304 surcharge increased by EUR 3/t ($3/t) to EUR 2,219/t ($2,583/t), while 316L increased by EUR 27/t($31/t) to EUR 4,007/t ($4,665/t), supported by firmer molybdenum costs. Aperam has more than 2.5 mnt/year of stainless flat steel capacity across Europe, South America and Asia.
Overall, surcharge movements remained mixed across producers, reflecting differences in alloy-cost exposure and individual pricing calculations. Nickel and molybdenum price movements remained key factors influencing 300-series surcharges, while chrome prices continued to drive changes in 430-grade surcharges.
Leave a Reply