- 400 series production inches down m-o-m in Aug’26
- Output expected to decline by 2% m-o-m in Sep’26
China’s crude stainless steel production is estimated to have increased 4% m-o-m to 3.72 million tonnes (mnt) in August 2026, according to Mysteel. Production also increased 12.2% y-o-y, with the growth primarily driven by the 300 series.
300 series drives Aug production growth
Production of the 300 series increased 6.9% m-o-m to 1.97 mnt in August while up 13.2% y-o-y. The increase of more than 120,000 t from the previous month made the 300 series the key contributor to overall production growth.
The 200-series output also increased 17% m-o-m and 6.2% y-o-y, while 400-series production declined marginally by 0.3% m-o-m to 685,000 t. However, 400-series output remained 20.1% higher y-o-y, recording the strongest annual growth among the three major grades.
September output expected to moderate
China’s stainless steel crude production is projected to be around 1.98% lower m-o-m in September, although output is expected to remain 6.4% higher y-o-y.
Notably, 300-series production is forecast at around 1.96 mnt, almost unchanged from August, with only a 0.09% m-o-m decline. Production is expected to remain 11.5% higher y-o-y, indicating continued elevated availability of 300-series stainless steel.
The 400 series is projected at 672,300 t in September, down 1.85% m-o-m but up 7.57% y-o-y.
Market implications
The expected stability in 300-series production suggests that China’s overall supply pressure may remain elevated despite the planned reduction in total output. With downstream demand yet to show a significant improvement, sustained high production could limit inventory reduction and keep pressure on stainless steel prices.
Note: This article is published as part of a content exchange agreement between SteelDaily and BigMint.
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