[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] April 21, 2026: Stainless Steel Market Highlights

Published: Apr 21, 2026 18:16

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LME nickel surpassing US$18,000/ton boosted Chinese Taiwan's stainless steel outlook, with producers accelerating into high-value segments and China's futures hitting two-year highs, pointing to stronger Q2 margins. Tata Steel Netherlands was fined €8.5M for emissions breaches its second penalty in 2026. On prices, 304 futures closed at RMB 14,805/ton; Wuxi and Foshan spot cold-rolled held at RMB 14,900/ton; 316L averaged RMB 28,200/ton in Wuxi and RMB 28,250/ton in Foshan; 201 and 430 held at RMB 8,700/ton and RMB 7,800/ton. LME nickel reclaimed US$18,200, with a weaker dollar and Chinese bond issuance expectations providing broad cost support.

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