[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] April 17, 2026: Stainless Steel Market Highlights

Published: Apr 17, 2026 18:00

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On April 17, the stainless steel market saw significant shifts. Due to North American supply disruptions and surging defense demand, an Indonesian mill widened the 304/316L spread to $1,850/mt. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s anti-dumping duties (up to 27.8%) on Chinese HRC officially took effect today. Stainless steel futures hit a new high of 15,175 RMB/mt, with China’s spot prices rising by 150 RMB/mt. Supported by Indonesia’s new HPM policy and rising nickel/molybdenum costs, global price floors have moved upward. In Europe, mills have closed June orders early due to high utilization and scrap shortages, maintaining a strong seller-dominant market.

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