[SMM Stainless Steel Daily Review] SS Futures Edged Up, Stainless Steel Spot Prices Remained Firm with Trading Inquiries Boosted
[SMM Stainless Steel Daily Review] SS Futures Strengthened, Stainless Steel Spot Prices Remained Firm with Inquiries and Transactions Boosted
SMM, May 25: SS futures continued to hold up well. Driven by the overall strength of non-ferrous metal futures and SHFE nickel, SS futures rose in tandem. As of the midday close, the most-traded SS contract was quoted at 14,805 yuan/mt. In the spot market, buoyed by the slight uptick in futures, spot quotes remained firm, with both market inquiries and transaction activity improving. However, the current macro environment still carried significant uncertainties, steel mill production schedules stayed high, and the traditional off-season was gradually approaching, intensifying industry participants' concerns about the market outlook.
The most-traded SS contract held up well. At 10:15 AM, SS2605 was quoted at 14,860 yuan/mt, up 60 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Spot premiums for 304/2B in the Wuxi area were in the range of 310-710 yuan/mt. In the spot market, the average price of cold-rolled 201/2B coils in Wuxi remained stable with a downward bias; for cold-rolled trimmed-edge 304/2B coils, Wuxi remained stable and Foshan's average price held steady; cold-rolled 316L/2B coils in the Wuxi area fell 50 yuan/mt; hot-rolled 316L/NO.1 coils in Wuxi dropped 175 yuan/mt; cold-rolled 430/2B coils in both Wuxi and Foshan remained stable.
This week, the stainless steel market saw both futures and spot prices fluctuate within a stable range. Futures movements were mainly driven by industry news and expectations, with limited overall fluctuations. Market sentiment was divided — traders held a cautious stance, but downstream end-user just-in-time procurement remained resilient. Combined with traders' active shipments, market supply continued to be absorbed, with the overall situation showing...