[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Asian stainless trade stays thin after holidays as cheap imports weigh on Korea

Published: Oct 12, 2026 14:12 (GMT+8)

Save

Asian stainless trading was thin in early October with only three working days. In South Korea, imported 304 CR is now priced below domestic 304 HR, pressuring local offers as buyers purchase only as needed. Chinese sentiment weakened on softer nickel, while Asian export offers held steady on Indonesian-driven raw material costs.

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.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

40 mins ago

Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Oct 12)

The following table shows the ferrous and nonferrous metals movement on the SHFE and DCE on 12 Oct , 2026

40 mins ago

1 hour ago

[SMM Nickel Flash News] Indonesia Update — October 12, 2026

Indonesian nickel ore prices remained unchanged on October 12, 1.2% Ni limonite: $25.5/wmt, unchanged 1.3% Ni limonite: $27.5/wmt, unchanged 1.4% Ni saprolite: $48.7/wmt, unchanged 1.5% Ni saprolite: $54.2/wmt, unchanged 1.6% Ni saprolite: $59.0/wmt, unchanged Market outlook: Despite stable spot assessments, upstream sentiment remains weak amid additional RKAB quota releases, lower nickel HMA and HPM benchmarks, and negative premiums for mainstream saprolite. Cautious smelter procurement may continue to pressure ore prices.

1 hour ago

3 hours ago

[SMM Nickel Midday Review] Nickel prices consolidate on a subdued note on Oct 12, pressured by a four-week dollar rally

3 hours ago