Taiwan: Walsin Lihwa holds 300-series wire rod prices, raises 316 surcharge for Aug’26

• Indonesian nickel constraints support raw material costs
• Higher molybdenum prices drive up 316 extra surcharge

Taiwan-based stainless steel producer Walsin Lihwa has kept August prices unchanged for its 300-, 200-, and 400-series stainless steel wire rods, while increasing the 316 extra surcharge by NTD 2,000/t to reflect higher alloy input costs.

The company maintained 300-series prices for the second consecutive month, opting to preserve customer competitiveness amid cautious market conditions, unlike domestic producer Yusco, which recently raised 300-series stainless steel prices.

The increase in the 316 extra surcharge was primarily driven by higher molybdenum prices, along with elevated energy and raw material costs linked to renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

In addition, continued tight nickel ore supply from Indonesia, resulting from strict RKAB (mining work plan and budget) quota controls, has kept nickel raw material costs elevated, providing further support to stainless steel production costs. Despite these cost pressures, Walsin Lihwa chose to keep base prices unchanged for most grades, balancing rising input costs against prevailing market demand.

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