[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] South Korea's Stainless Imports Decline in Early August, Taiwan (POC) Leads HR Imports

Canada announced retaliatory measures effective September 8 against US Section 338 tariffs, covering 874 tariff lines worth approximately USD 27.6 billion in trade at up to 50% — mirroring the US rate — targeting metal products, dairy, appliances, agricultural machinery, pulp and paper, plastics, and electronics. The US tariffs took effect August 22 following the first-ever invocation of Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, after Washington talks collapsed and Prime Minister Carney withdrew the negotiating team.

Taiwan (POC)'s 300-series cold-rolled stainless steel import volumes fell below approximately 8,000 tonnes in July, with import values edging slightly above approximately NT$86,000/tonne. Meanwhile, export volumes rebounded to nearly 24,000 tonnes — the second-highest of the year — while export prices surpassed approximately NT$81,000/tonne, extending an upward trend for a sixth consecutive month with cumulative gains of nearly NT$15,000/tonne since February. The sustained price increase reflects mills' repeated upward quote adjustments over multiple months, with export pricing remaining firm despite a decline in import volumes compared to prior periods.