China
Germany
United States
IndiaIn Q1 2025, China’s stainless-steel hot rolled coil (HR coil) prices slipped from $1,817/MT in Q4 2024 to $1,803/MT FOB Shanghai, as the market contended with persistent oversupply, cautious downstream demand, and heightened competition from both domestic and international mills. Despite some support from rising nickel and chromium input costs, weak construction and manufacturing activity kept price momentum subdued. In the USA, prices also declined, pressured by softer demand in the automotive and construction sectors, and buyers delaying purchases in anticipation of further corrections. The Indian market mirrored this trend, with prices falling due to tepid domestic demand, increased imports, and mills offering discounts to clear inventories. In contrast, Germany saw prices pick up modestly, supported by anti-dumping measures on imports, steady demand from engineering and automotive sectors, and cautious restocking by distributors. Overall, while Germany’s stainless steel HR coil market showed resilience, other major regions faced downward price pressure amid challenging fundamentals and global oversupply.
In Q4 2024, the Stainless-Steel HR Coil market across key regions, including India, China, Germany, and the USA, showed varied pricing trends, reflecting differing market dynamics. In India, the price remained relatively stable, indicating consistent demand and supply conditions. However, in Germany, prices decreased to USD 2780/MT from the previous quarter, largely due to persistent oversupply and subdued demand. The reduction in prices was driven by ongoing market challenges such as weak industrial activity and production cost pressures. In contrast, USA saw a slight decrease in prices from Q3, though the market remained relatively resilient, supported by strong demand from the automotive sector and limited supply disruptions.
The Stainless Steel CR Coil market in the APAC region experienced a pressure on price trend in Q3 2024, driven by persistent oversupply, weak demand, and rising input costs. These factors exerted downward pressure on prices, resulting in a generally negative pricing environment. China, which saw the most significant price fluctuations, mirrored the broader regional trend. Although there was no change from the previous quarter in 2024, a slight decline of 1% was observed between the first and second halves of the quarter, reflecting the prevailing bearish market sentiment and the challenges faced by industry players. Germany, saw notable price increases compared to both the same quarter last year and the previous quarter in 2024. However, there were no significant fluctuations between the first and second halves of the quarter, signaling steady demand and a positive pricing trajectory.
The second quarter of 2024 saw a significant rise in Stainless Steel HR Coil prices across Europe, driven by multiple factors. Key influences included rising inflation, regulatory changes, and fluctuations in energy costs. Notably, the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) played a significant role by imposing benchmarks on domestic production, processing, and recycling capacities, reducing dependency on non-EU sources. Additionally, the European Central Bank’s interest rate cut to 3.75% aimed to stimulate economic confidence, but rising alloy surcharges, particularly for nickel and molybdenum, contributed to increased stainless steel pricing.
Germany experienced the most substantial price changes in the region, with prices steadily increasing due to rising freight costs and robust demand from the automotive sector, which saw a notable recovery reflected in a surge of new car registrations. Seasonal demand also had an impact, with prices rising by 22% compared to the first quarter of 2024.
In China, high nickel ore costs and tight nickel pig iron (NPI) supply were major contributors to rising production expenses. Although downstream demand remained weak. Seasonal slowdowns and reduced manufacturing activity, as indicated by the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), added complexity to the market dynamics.
In Q1 2024, the Stainless-Steel HR Coil market exhibited a mix of price movements across key regions, including India, China, Germany, and the USA. In India, prices remained relatively stable showing a minor decrease from Q4 2023. The market in China also saw a slight dip, with prices decreasing reflecting subdued demand amid ongoing challenges in the domestic market. In Germany, prices showed a slight increase to USD 2743/MT, driven by steady demand from key sectors such as automotive and industrial production, alongside a stable supply chain. Meanwhile, in the USA, prices dropped, reflecting a cooling of demand from construction and manufacturing sectors, coupled with a more cautious market sentiment. Overall, Q1 2024 market analysis reveals a stable pricing environment in India and Germany, while China and the USA experienced slight price declines, driven by weaker demand and broader economic factors.
In Q1 2025, prices softened slightly to $2,246/MT Ex-Mumbai a marginal 0.17% decrease from the previous quarter. The market faced a seasonal slowdown as construction and project activity paused after the year-end rush. Additionally, some buyers delayed purchases in anticipation of potential price corrections amid global economic uncertainties and fluctuating input costs. Export demand moderated as international buyers adopted a wait-and-watch approach. Mills responded by offering limited discounts, but overall, the market remained stable with expectations of a gradual recovery as the year progressed, and new project announcements emerged.
In Q4 2024, stainless steel HR coil prices in India climbed to $2,250/MT, marking the strongest quarter-on-quarter gain of 1.05% during the year. This was supported by robust year-end demand from both domestic and export markets, as buyers rushed to complete projects and restock inventories before the close of the financial year. The government’s continued push for infrastructure and manufacturing investments further boosted consumption. Mills operated at high capacity utilization, and order books remained healthy. Export demand was also strong, with Indian material remaining attractive in global markets due to its quality and price competitiveness.
In Q3 2024, prices rose further to $2,227/MT, up 0.49% from the previous quarter. The market saw continued improvement in demand from the automotive and engineering industries, with several infrastructure projects progressing steadily. Raw material costs remained firm, providing cost support for mills. Export demand held steady, especially from Europe and Southeast Asia. Despite the monsoon season, which typically slows construction, the overall market mood was positive, and mills were able to maintain firmer offers, supported by healthy order books and stable production levels.
In Q2 2024, Prices edged up to $2,215/MT, marking a modest 0.31% quarter-on-quarter increase. The improvement was driven by a gradual pickup in demand from infrastructure projects and the white goods sector as the weather improved and project execution gained momentum. Export opportunities also improved slightly, particularly to Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where Indian stainless steel remained competitively priced. Mills benefited from firmer raw material costs, particularly for nickel and chromium, which supported the slight price uptick. Market sentiment turned cautiously optimistic, with expectations of further improvement as downstream demand strengthened.
In Q1 2024, the average price of Stainless-steel HR coil in India was $2,208/MT Ex-Mumbai, reflecting a slight decline of 0.43% from the previous quarter. The market started the year on a cautious note, with demand from the construction and manufacturing sectors remaining subdued after the year-end lull. Buyers were hesitant to build inventories, anticipating further price corrections amid stable input costs and competitive offers from both domestic and imported material. Export activity was also limited, as global markets faced similar demand headwinds. Mills responded with selective discounts and flexible payment terms, but overall sentiment remained muted, with most transactions being need-based.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
A stainless steel hot rolled coil is a type of steel product made by heating stainless steel above its recrystallization temperature and then rolling it into thin, continuous coils. The process involves passing the heated stainless steel through a series of rollers to reduce its thickness and shape it into long, flat, and durable strips. Stainless steel HR coils are highly valued for their corrosion resistance, strength, and aesthetic appeal.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specification |
| Grade | 304 |
| Standard | ASTM A240, JIS G4304, EN 10088 |
| Thickness | 1-5mm |
| Width | 1000mm – 2000mm |
| Surface Finish | No.1, 2B, HRAP |
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa min |
| Yield Strength | 205 MPa min |
| Hardness | HRB 92 max |
| Density | 7.93 g/cm³ |
| Chemical Composition | Fe, 18-20% Cr, 8-10.5% Ni, <2% Mn, <0.08% C |
Applications
These events underscore the stainless steel HR coil market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.
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PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global stainless steel hr coil price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the stainless steel hr coil market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence stainless steel hr coil prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely stainless steel hr coil market data.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
A stainless steel hot rolled coil is a type of steel product made by heating stainless steel above its recrystallization temperature and then rolling it into thin, continuous coils. The process involves passing the heated stainless steel through a series of rollers to reduce its thickness and shape it into long, flat, and durable strips. Stainless steel HR coils are highly valued for their corrosion resistance, strength, and aesthetic appeal.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specification |
| Grade | 304 |
| Standard | ASTM A240, JIS G4304, EN 10088 |
| Thickness | 1-5mm |
| Width | 1000mm – 2000mm |
| Surface Finish | No.1, 2B, HRAP |
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa min |
| Yield Strength | 205 MPa min |
| Hardness | HRB 92 max |
| Density | 7.93 g/cm³ |
| Chemical Composition | Fe, 18-20% Cr, 8-10.5% Ni, <2% Mn, <0.08% C |
Applications
The price of Stainless-Steel HR Coil (SSHR) is influenced by several key factors, including:
1. Raw Material Costs
• Prices of Nickel, Chromium, and Iron fluctuate based on market demand and supply.
• Nickel is especially volatile and significantly impacts SS 304 pricing.
2. Market Demand and Supply
• High demand from industries like construction, automotive, and manufacturing raises prices.
• Supply chain disruptions (e.g., raw material shortages, logistics issues) can increase costs.
3. Production Costs
• Energy costs, including electricity and fuel for steel production.
• Labor costs in manufacturing and processing.
• Technology and automation level in the production process.
4. Global Economic Conditions
• Inflation, interest rates, and currency exchange rates impact raw material imports and pricing.
• Trade policies, tariffs, and duties imposed by different countries.
5. Quality and Specifications
• Grade of steel (e.g., 304, 316, 430) affects cost due to different compositions.
• Thickness, width, and surface finish (No.1, 2B, HRAP) also determine price.
6. Freight and Logistics Costs
• Transportation costs for shipping raw materials and finished coils.
• Availability of containers and shipping routes.
7. Government Regulations and Taxes
• Import/export duties, anti-dumping duties, and environmental compliance costs.
• Certification requirements (ISO, ASTM) affecting production expenses.
8. Seasonal and Regional Variations
• Prices may fluctuate based on regional demand-supply dynamics.
• Seasonal demand from industries like construction can cause price hikes.
Commodity prices can have a significant impact on inflation. When commodity prices rise, it can increase the cost of production for businesses, which may pass these costs on to consumers in the form of higher prices. This can lead to inflation, a sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy.
Price-Watch, a leading procurement intelligence firm, offers a comprehensive suite of tools and services to help you effectively track Stainless Steel HR Coil prices.
Some of the key benefits of using Price-Watch include:
Real-time Data: Access to up-to-date market intelligence and data on commodity supply chains.
Expert Analysis: Insights from industry experts to interpret market trends and identify potential risks.
Risk Assessment: Tools to assess supply chain vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies.
Benchmarking: Comparisons of Stainless-Steel HR Coil prices and sourcing practices to optimize procurement decisions.
Supplier Intelligence: Detailed information on suppliers, including their financial health, production capacity, and sustainability practices.
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