[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] US Hits EU Autos with 25% Duty as Stainless Steel Giants Forecast Profit Surge

Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has announced plans to implement a windfall profit tax and export duties specifically targeting the nickel sector to compensate for rising energy subsidies amid global oil price volatility. While the policy is currently under discussion with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the government intends to offset these additional costs by providing strategic incentives for domestic downstream industries, particularly battery manufacturing, to ensure high domestic demand and promote the use of local raw materials.

The Indonesian government reaffirmed plans to implement export duties and a windfall profit tax on low-processed nickel products, triggering a sharp rally in global metal markets. The policy aims to curb under-invoicing and smuggling while recouping state subsidies used to build the nation’s downstream industry. Following the announcement, SHFE nickel futures surged over 3.5% today, while LME nickel jumped to approximately $19,900/mt, a 2.1% daily gain. With the cost floor rising, Asian stainless steel futures have now gained over 10% since early April, reflecting a broader bullish trend across base metals.

Driven primarily by price adjustments from Indonesia, Chinese Taiwan’s 300-series stainless steel HRC imports surged to 59,560 tons in March 2026, giving a 50% month-on-month increase and a 16-month peak. Indonesia’s policy of curbing nickel ore output has kept raw material costs elevated, forcing mills to hike export rates. While March saw a sharp monthly spike, total Q1 imports reached 148,354 tons, down 11.2% year-on-year. Market participants expect import prices to remain high, noting that these elevated costs will likely lead to a reduction in overall purchase volumes in the coming months.