Weak stainless steel transactions continue, with prices hovering at low levels [SMM Stainless Steel Daily Review]
[SMM Stainless Steel Daily Review: Weak Stainless Steel Trading Persists with Prices Lingering at Low Levels] SMM June 16, today, SS futures continued their weak trend, fluctuating within the range of 12,600-12,500 yuan/mt. Spot stainless steel prices remained generally stable, but traders widely reported persistently sluggish trading. As the consumption off-season approaches, despite stainless steel prices having fallen to relatively low levels, downstream customers maintained a cautious wait-and-see attitude amid ample supply, primarily making just-in-time procurement, making significant price rebounds difficult. This afternoon, Tsingshan lowered its 201 futures prices, with general reductions of 70-100 yuan/mt, aiming to boost trading. Futures side, the most-traded contract 2508 fluctuated. At 10:30 am, SS2508 was quoted at 12,560 yuan/mt, up 20 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. In Wuxi, the spot premiums/discounts for 304/2B ranged between 360-610 yuan/mt. In the spot market, cold-rolled 201/2B coils in Wuxi and Foshan were both quoted at 7,750 yuan/mt; cold-rolled edge-trimmed 304/2B coils averaged 12,875 yuan/mt in both Wuxi and Foshan; cold-rolled 316L/2B coils in Wuxi were quoted at 24,000 yuan/mt, same as in Foshan; hot-rolled 316L/NO.1 coils were quoted at 23,350 yuan/mt in both locations; cold-rolled 430/2B coils in Wuxi and Foshan were both priced at 7,500 yuan/mt. Currently, the stainless steel market is deeply mired in the traditional consumption off-season, with persistently weak downstream demand. Although enterprises generally face cost inversion...