March 27, 2025,
From March 21 to March 27, 2025, the inventory of various series in the stainless steel markets of Wuxi and Foshan experienced varying degrees of change, with the total inventory decreasing to 984,300 mt, down 0.98% WoW. Downstream demand for cargo pick-up remained firm, and traders controlled inventory, maintaining a slight destocking trend.
200-series: In Wuxi, the inventory of 200-series decreased from 99,200 mt to 97,400 mt, down 1.81% WoW, showing a significant decline. This was mainly driven by the price increase of 200-series products this week, which prompted downstream demand to restock, leading to a downward trend in social inventory. In Foshan, the inventory rose from 166,900 mt to 167,800 mt, up 0.54% WoW. The performance diverged between the two regions, with Foshan's increase failing to offset Wuxi's decrease.
300-series: In Wuxi, the inventory of 300-series decreased from 382,400 mt to 375,500 mt, down 1.80% WoW. In Foshan, it decreased from 206,900 mt to 206,600 mt, down 0.14% WoW. Both Wuxi and Foshan saw a decline in 300-series inventory, with Wuxi experiencing a relatively larger drop. Steel mills had limited product arrivals this week, and delivery warehouses destocked as cargo pick-up exceeded arrivals. Most trader warehouses maintained flat inventory, resulting in a slight destocking trend across the market.
400-series: In Wuxi, the inventory of 400-series decreased from 88,700 mt to 86,600 mt, down 2.37% WoW. In Foshan, it increased from 49,900 mt to 50,400 mt, up 1.00% WoW. Wuxi saw a decline in inventory, while Foshan experienced an increase, similar to the 200-series, indicating regional differences.
This week, stainless steel inventory experienced slight destocking, with downstream merchants mostly buying the dip. It is expected that inventory resistance will remain significant in the near term, and downstream demand growth may drive further destocking of stainless steel.
If you have any questions regarding stainless steel inventory, please feel free to contact us: Chaoxing Yang at 13585549799 (WeChat ID is the same).
