[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Indonesian Industry Warns of Ecosystem Disruptions from US Trade Pact and Mining Quota Cuts

A major mainstream stainless steel producer in Taiwan announced yesterday that it will raise its domestic list prices for March sales to offset rising production expenses and anticipated demand recovery. For March deliveries, the mill has increased the prices of 304-series hot-rolled and cold-rolled products, as well as surcharges for 316L, by TWD 2,000/mt ($64/t), while 430-series prices were raised by TWD 1,000/mt. This decision reflects a cumulative three-month price hike across the region's leading mills, driven by firm support from raw material costs and significant production cuts in Indonesia. The optimistic outlook is further bolstered by regional economic growth fueled by the AI infrastructure boom, which is increasingly driving demand for high-end stainless steel alloys.

The India-Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference was held on February 24, 2026, organized in collaboration with the India-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce (IndCham). During the keynote statement, Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, emphasized the vast potential for collaboration in critical minerals, highlighting that the partnership extends beyond natural resources to include digital transformation and modern governance. The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, and mining associations to discuss securing supply chains for essential materials like nickel, lithium, and rare earths, which are vital for the global energy transition and the production of stainless steel and electric vehicles.