- Austenitic surcharges show downward trend
- Outokumpu cuts 304 surcharge by EUR 47/t ($54/t)
Major European stainless steel producers Outokumpu, Acerinox, and Aperam have announced their October 2026 alloy surcharges, with movements declining across grades amid changes in nickel and molybdenum costs. The latest revisions indicate a downward trend in austenitic grades.
Outokumpu set its October surcharge for 304 (EN 1.4301) at EUR 2,188/t ($2,602/t,) down EUR 47/t ($54) m-o-m, while 316L (EN 1.4404) declined by EUR 50/t ($64/t) to EUR 3,997/t ($4,411/t). The surcharge for 430 (EN 1.4016) down by EUR 9/t ($10/t) to EUR 1,085/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 83/t($126/t) to EUR 2,136/t ($2,505/t) and 316L decreasing by EUR 30/t($95/t) to EUR 3,972/t($4,577/t). The surcharge for 201 (EN 1.4372) increased by EUR 5/t ($39/t)to EUR 1,871/t, while 430 decreased by EUR 2/t ($7/t)to EUR 1,062/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 43/t ($3/t) to EUR 2,176/t ($2,583/t), while 316L decreased by EUR 17/t($31/t) to EUR 3,990/t ($4,665/t). 430 grade prices were stood at Euro 1,093/t. Aperam has more than 2.5 mnt/year of stainless flat steel capacity across Europe, South America and Asia.
Overall, surcharge dropped across producers, reflecting downward trend in alloy-cost exposure and individual pricing calculations. Nickel and molybdenum price movements remained key factors influencing 300-series surcharges.
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