Stainless Steel Weekly Inventory Slightly Decreased, Destocking Pressure Remains High

Published: Mar 21, 2025 16:47
Source: SMM
From March 14 to 20, 2025, the total inventory in the Wuxi and Foshan stainless steel markets fell to 994,000 mt, down 1.75% WoW, with varying changes across different series. In the east China Wuxi market, 200-series and 400-series inventories decreased, while 300-series inventory increased; in the south China Foshan market, 200-series and 300-series inventories declined, and 400-series inventory slightly rose. The main reason for the inventory decline was reduced shipments from steel mills and mediocre downstream purchasing. Demand is expected to rebound at the end of March and early April, potentially easing inventory pressure, but there is uncertainty. Attention should be paid to the speed of social inventory reduction, as well as the ongoing impact of production schedules, raw material prices, and macro policies on the market.

On March 21 2025,

From March 14 to March 20, 2025, the inventories of various series in the Wuxi and Foshan stainless steel markets changed to varying degrees, with total inventory fell to 994,000 mt, down 1.75% WoW. The main reason was a reduction in shipments from steel mills and mediocre downstream demand. Although there was a slight destocking, the overall market inventory pressure remained significant.

In the east China market, represented by Wuxi, 200-series inventory decreased from 100,500 mt to 99,200 mt, down 1.29% WoW; this was mainly due to stable demand for 200-series products and low arrival volumes from stainless steel mills, leading to a downward trend in inventory. 300-series inventory increased from 380,900 mt to 382,400 mt, up 0.39% WoW; continuous arrivals from stainless steel mills and some goods entering delivery warehouses led to a slight increase in inventory. 400-series inventory decreased from 90,600 mt to 88,700 mt, down 2.10% WoW; given the relatively small supply scale of 400-series products, limited arrivals this week, and stable market absorption, a destocking state was formed.

In the south China Foshan market, 200-series inventory decreased from 175,400 mt to 166,900 mt, down 4.85% WoW; during the price decline, downstream enterprises were cautious in purchasing, but some had restocked earlier, and with limited arrivals this week, inventory decreased noticeably. 300-series inventory decreased from 214,500 mt to 206,900 mt, down 3.54% WoW; some of the overseas arrivals from the previous period were gradually absorbed by the market this week, but the overall absorption rate was moderate. 400-series inventory increased from 49,800 mt to 49,900 mt, up 0.20% WoW, with a relatively small change, mainly due to the relatively stable supply and demand for this series.

It is expected that at the end of March and early April, the demand situation in the stainless steel market may see a certain degree of rebound, which could help alleviate the current significant inventory pressure.

If you have any questions regarding stainless steel inventory, please feel free to contact us: Chaoxing Yang at 13585549799 (WeChat ID is the same).

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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.

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