[NPI Daily Review] Actual Market Transactions Were Hard to Find, and High-Grade NPI Prices Were Under Pressure

Published: Mar 30, 2026 11:58

Save

[SMM Daily Review: Actual Market Transactions Remained Scarce, High-Grade NPI Prices Were Under Pressure] March 30 News: SMM's upstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.83, down 0.01 MoM, while the downstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 1.54, down 0.02 MoM.

SMM News, March 30:

March 30 News: SMM's market sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.18, down 0.02 MoM; the upstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.83, down 0.01 MoM; and the downstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 1.54, down 0.02 MoM. Supply side, the economic substitution effect of steel scrap persisted, and upstream suppliers' quotations were under pressure. Demand side, most steel mills had weak procurement sentiment, and intended purchase prices remained under pressure. Overall, actual market transactions were hard to find, and resistance to high-grade NPI prices was evident.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

16 hours ago

[SMM Stainless Steel Market Flash] Scrap Surge and Geopolitics Raise Cost Pressure on EU Mills

According to market reports, European stainless mills are facing mounting cost pressure from both geopolitics and raw materials. Concerns linked to the US-Iran conflict are adding uncertainty to energy and input costs, while 304 scrap has climbed to €1,400/t delivered across most EU countries this month. The continued rise in costs is becoming a key support factor for higher stainless steel prices in Europe.

16 hours ago

[SMM Stainless Steel Market Flash] European Mills Lift July CRC Offers to €2,700/t Delivered

According to market reports, European mills are closing June order books and beginning to quote for July delivery. Market indications show CRC deals for May delivery were concluded at around €2,550-2,570/t delivered, while June delivery is being offered and achieved at €2,600-2,630/t delivered. July offers have now reached €2,700/t delivered, pointing to a further upward shift in the European stainless CRC price base.

16 hours ago

[SMM Stainless Steel Market Flash] European Stainless Flats Keep Rising as Sentiment Stays Cautious

According to market reports, European stainless flat steel prices continue to rise sharply, but overall market sentiment remains cautious. Feedback from the Tube & Wire trade show in Düsseldorf suggests that geopolitical uncertainty, subdued downstream activity, and a mixed outlook for end-users are still weighing on confidence. Although demand has improved from the weak levels seen in 2025, real end-user activity remains disappointing.

16 hours ago