The global 304 stainless steel market witnessed mild fluctuations throughout May 2025, with regional dynamics showing divergent pricing trends for cold-rolled coil (CRC), hot-rolled coil (HRC), and scrap.

China, as the world's largest stainless steel producer, saw its 304 stainless steel CRC price drop slightly from ¥13,050/t to ¥13,150/t by mid-May, before stabilizing at that level through the end of the month. HRC rose from ¥12,500/t to ¥12,700/t, reflecting a modest recovery in domestic demand. Scrap prices rebounded from ¥9,600/t to ¥9,850/t, supported by increased procurement activity and seasonal restocking.

For international comparison, using the June 5, 2025 exchange rate of 1 USD = 7.1836 CNY, Chinese prices in USD terms are approximately:

• CRC: ¥13,150/t ≈ $1,831/t

• HRC: ¥12,700/t ≈ $1,768/t

• Chatarra: ¥9,850/t ≈ $1,371/t

These converted values provide a clearer benchmark for global buyers evaluating sourcing options.

• Taiwán held steady with CRC at $2,080/t and HRC at $1,955/t, indicating relative market calm.
  
  
• Corea del Sur maintained CRC at $2,200/t, with HRC remaining marked as “Prime.”
  
  
• India’s CRC was fixed at $2,015/t throughout May, after its early-month revision using the updated import calculation formula.
  
  
• Vietnam y Malaysia reported stable pricing across the board: CRC at $1,700–2,200/t, HRC at $1,670–1,850/t, depending on region and supplier.

• Europa saw CRC prices stay unchanged at €2,680/t, with scrap climbing slightly to €1,310/t.
  
  
• Norteamérica held firm at $2,900/t para CRC y $1,310/t for scrap.
  
  
• América del Sur reported consistent CRC pricing at $2,343/t and HRC at $1,834/t, reflecting stable demand from regional industries.

• Middle East CRC remained unchanged at $1,860/t, indicating neutral supply-demand pressure.
  
  

• Türkiye saw no change, with CRC at $2,320/t.
  
  

• Rusia experienced a slight dip in CRC from RUB 275,280/t to RUB 269,470/t (approx. $2,749/t at a rate of ~98 RUB/USD), driven by local currency shifts and export restrictions.

En 304 stainless steel price remained broadly stable across most global regions during May 2025. While China showed mild upticks in HRC and scrap prices, most other markets remained flat, pointing to cautious optimism for June. International buyers are advised to monitor raw material cost fluctuations and currency shifts closely when planning procurement, as localized pricing dynamics and exchange rates will continue to play a key role in sourcing strategies.

Nota: 
Los precios indicados corresponden a acero inoxidable 304 CRC, HRC o chatarra. En China, los precios de referencia del acero inoxidable se basan en el CRC 304 de Hongwang y el HRC 304 de Tsingshan, que reflejan los precios al contado en Wuxi, al este de China. Para la India, la fórmula de fijación de precios es: precio de importación = precio local x 1,085 (arancel 8,5%) + 50 (tasa de despacho).

The price data and related pictures are sourced from:

• https://www.mysteel.net