The price of stainless steel scrap rose slightly along with the increase in finished steel prices. After the economic disadvantage weakened demand, the market outlook still requires observation. [SMM Weekly Review of Stainless Steel Scrap Market]

Published: Jul 18, 2025 16:00

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This week, the price of 304 stainless steel scrap off-cuts in east China strengthened and rose, reaching 9,450-9,550 yuan/mt; in Foshan, the price of 304 stainless steel scrap off-cuts rose slightly, reaching 9,250-9,550 yuan/mt. Currently, calculated by raw material, the production cost of stainless steel produced entirely from stainless steel scrap is approximately 13,239.47 yuan/mt, while the production cost of stainless steel produced entirely from high-grade NPI is approximately 12,972.94 yuan/mt. This week, a steel mill in south China did not update its purchase price for stainless steel scrap.

This week, the price of high-grade NPI continued to decline, while the spot price of finished stainless steel products rose slightly. The price of stainless steel scrap followed the rise in finished stainless steel products, increasing slightly. Currently, the shortage of stainless steel scrap in the market has not improved, and traders still hold a mindset of refusing to budge on prices and hoarding goods. However, with the continuous decline in the price of high-grade NPI, the economic disadvantage of stainless steel scrap has become increasingly apparent. In addition, amid expectations for production cuts in stainless steel, market demand for stainless steel scrap is expected to decline further. Overall, influenced by the recovery of the finished stainless steel market and the shortage of supply in the short term, the price of stainless steel scrap has risen. However, under the dual pressures of weakening demand and increasing economic disadvantages, the rise in the price of stainless steel scrap is expected to remain constrained.

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