[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Surging Imports Erode Pricing Power of Chinese Taiwan's Stainless Steel Mills

Published: May 18, 2026 11:42

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Chinese Taiwan's stainless steel trade faced a dual contraction in volumes and prices. Export volume dropped 10.4% month-on-month to around 63 thousand tons, though average export valuations managed to hold above the NT$80,000/mt threshold for the second consecutive month. Conversely, import volumes remained stubbornly high at 103 thousand tons despite a minor monthly dip, with average import prices trending lower. Market participants note that the influx of cheaper foreign resources combined with shrinking overseas demand is heavily capping the ability of domestic mills to implement or sustain higher price points.

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