- Yusco raises 304 and 316L prices
- Tang Eng follows with September hikes
Taiwanese stainless steel producers Yieh United Steel Corporation (Yusco), Tang Eng Iron Works and Walsin Lihwa have announced higher September prices, supported by elevated raw material costs and improving downstream buying interest ahead of the traditional peak season.
Yusco raises 304, 316L prices
Yusco announced its September pricing on 28 August, increasing 304 stainless steel prices by NT$1,500/t ($47/t) and 316L surcharges by NT$2,500/t ($78/t), while keeping 430-grade prices unchanged.
The move marked a second consecutive monthly increase, taking cumulative two-month gains to NT$3,000/t ($94/t) for 304 and NT$5,000/t ($157/t) for 316L.
Yusco attributed the increase to higher production costs, including firm nickel pig iron (NPI), stainless steel scrap, ferro molybdenum and global copper prices. Improving terminal consumption and expectations of stronger demand during the approaching peak season have also encouraged downstream restocking.
Tang Eng follows with September increases
Tang Eng announced its September pricing on 31 August, raising 304 stainless steel prices by NT$1,500/t ($47/t) and 316L surcharges by NT$2,500/t ($78/t). This was also the company’s second consecutive monthly increase, bringing cumulative two-month gains to NT$3,000/t ($94/t) for 304 and NT$5,000/t ($157/t) for 316L.
The company’s pricing move was broadly aligned with Yusco, with higher raw material costs and expectations of stronger downstream demand supporting the revisions.
Walsin Lihwa raises wire rod prices
Walsin Lihwa announced its September stainless steel wire rod prices on 28 August, increasing 304 wire rod by NT$3,000/t ($94/t), ending two consecutive months of unchanged opening prices.
The company also raised 304 copper-containing wire rod by NT$4,000/t ($126/t) and 316 wire rod by NT$5,000/t ($157/t). Meanwhile, 200- and 400-series wire rod prices remained unchanged for the third consecutive month.
Raw material costs remain elevated
Walsin Lihwa said geopolitical uncertainties and Indonesia’s restrictions on nickel ore mining have kept key stainless steel raw materials, including nickel, copper and molybdenum, at elevated levels.
The company also noted that the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is increasing pressure on steelmakers to reduce emissions, contributing to higher production and compliance costs.
Considering rising input costs and the international competitiveness of its customers, Walsin Lihwa decided to raise selected wire rod prices for September.
Outlook
Taiwan’s stainless steel market is showing a firm pricing trend, with major producers raising prices for 304 and 316L while leaving 430 largely unchanged. Higher raw material costs and improving downstream restocking ahead of the peak season are supporting producer pricing.
Market participants will closely monitor nickel, molybdenum and scrap costs, downstream demand and developments in Indonesia’s nickel policies for further direction.
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