Nickel prices show continued weakness. On November 12, LME nickel closed down $75 at $15,025. Stocks were 253,308 tons. Today, the market remains in negative territory.

This creates a challenging cost environment for stainless steel pipe suppliers. Volatile raw material prices impact the entire supply chain.

01 304 Pipe Material Market

Tsingshan agents kept prices steady. Their 304 hot-rolled strip is offered at 12,200 yuan/ton. Some market traders, however, cut prices by 20-30 yuan/ton to secure orders.

Low-price offers failed to attract strong demand. Some sellers even offered distant futures at deeper discounts. For wider coil, prices were 12,200-12,300 yuan/ton. High-priced materials could be negotiated down by 50 yuan/ton.

02 201 Pipe Material Market

Tsingshan’s listed price for J2 material was 6,900 yuan/ton. Overall, market traders showed low enthusiasm for new offers. Buyer interest focused on cheaper resources.

Some suppliers from Guangxi offered small discounts. Prices were negotiable, with some low offers around 6,450 yuan/ton. By the afternoon, some distant futures were offered at even lower levels.

03 Stainless Scrap Market

Scrap stainless steel prices fell. 304 scrap dropped 50-100 yuan/ton. 201 scrap fell 50 yuan/ton. Merchants preferred low-price purchases, but deals were hard to conclude.

Summary: A Challenging Landscape for an SS Tube Manufacturer

The stainless steel market is under clear pressure. Weak nickel and soft demand are forcing price cuts. For a global stainless steel supplier, this volatility requires careful navigation.

Stable raw material costs are key for ss tube manufacturers. The current low and falling prices for 304 and 201 coil present a complex situation. It offers lower input costs but also reflects very weak end-user demand.

As a leading ss tube manufacturer, monitoring these trends is essential. We ensure our clients receive the most competitive pricing and reliable supply, even in fluctuating markets.