Japan: Nippon Seisen cuts SUS304 wire prices by JPY 15,000/t ($101/t) for Oct’26 contracts

• Prices of chromium series wires raised by JPY 5,000/t
• Weaker buying prompts price cuts for nickel series

Japan’s stainless steel wire producer Nippon Seisen has revised its October contract prices, reducing nickel-series SUS304 stainless steel wire prices by JPY 15,000/t ($101/t) while increasing chromium-series wire prices by JPY 5,000/t ($34/t).

The revision follows changes in stainless steel wire rod prices announced by Japanese rod manufacturers for September contracts, along with the company’s base price revision, which included a JPY 10,000/t ($68/t) increase to reflect higher production costs.

Nickel-series prices revised lower, chromium-series prices increased

The company reduced its base-grade SUS304 stainless steel wire price by JPY 15,000/t for October contracts. Among special grades, SUSXM7 prices were reduced by JPY 20,000/t ($135/t), while SUS303 prices fell by JPY 15,000/t.

Meanwhile, SUS316 prices increased by JPY 10,000/t, reflecting revisions based on alloy content. Nippon Seisen raised prices for chromium-based SUS430 stainless steel wire by JPY 5,000/t for October contracts.

The company also announced a significant JPY 55,000/t ($372/t) reduction for SUS310S, while noting that special steel grades would be revised according to their respective alloy content.

The company’s base price revision follows the previous revision implemented with contracts signed in April. Rising costs for energy and auxiliary materials have also been incorporated into product pricing.

For ultra-fine wires, where auxiliary material costs have risen significantly, as well as certain other products, Nippon Seisen said individual price adjustments would be implemented separately.

Demand remains uncertain

Demand for stainless steel wire saw a brief pickup in some segments during the rise in LME nickel prices. However, buying activity has recently weakened amid a more bearish market outlook.

With demand trends remaining uncertain, Nippon Seisen plans to continue monitoring market developments closely and adjust its pricing strategy in response to changing market conditions.

Note: This article is published as part of a content exchange agreement between Japan Metal Daily and BigMint.