[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Rising Molybdenum Costs Widen Spread, Indonesian Mill’s 304 and 316L Gap Reaches $1,850/mt

Published: Apr 17, 2026 15:19

Save

On April 17, SMM reported that a major Indonesian stainless steel mill increased the price gap between 304 and 316L series from $1,800/mt to $1,850/mt. The widening spread is driven by the soaring price of molybdenum, a key element in 316L. Research indicates that molybdenum concentrate supply remains tight due to aging mining equipment, environmental production curbs, and export restrictions in major producing countries. Simultaneously, surging demand from aerospace and defense industries has further pushed up molybdenum product prices. Additionally, Indonesia's new nickel pricing formula and geopolitical risks have collectively raised the overall cost benchmark for the 300-series.

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

1 min ago

[SMM Nickel Market Flash] Nikolai Added to FAST-41 as U.S. Critical Minerals Support Deepens

The Nikolai Nickel Project has been added to the U.S. FAST-41 program, which is designed to accelerate permitting and improve interagency coordination. At the same time, continued policy support for domestic critical minerals, including permitting reform, funding support, and supply chain localization, is strengthening the strategic position of U.S. nickel projects.

1 min ago

[SMM Nickel Market Flash] AEMC Partners with RecycLiCo and Lucid on Downstream Nickel Pathway

AEMC has entered into cooperation arrangements with RecycLiCo Battery Materials and Lucid to support hydrometallurgical testing and explore a more integrated domestic nickel supply chain in the United States. If successful, the project’s downstream refining potential could further enhance its strategic value.

1 min ago

Common.Time.minsAgo

[SMM Nickel Market Flash] AEMC Advances Nikolai Nickel Project Toward 2026 PEA

Alaska Energy Metals Corporation is accelerating development of its Nikolai Nickel Project in Alaska, with a Preliminary Economic Assessment targeted for 2026. Current work is focused on metallurgical studies, hydrometallurgical testing, permitting for road and camp upgrades, and internal economic evaluations, indicating the project is moving steadily toward economic validation.

Common.Time.minsAgo