2026-05-08
On June 11, 2026, the 4th All-Russian Stainless Steel Pipe and Rod Industry Chain Development Conference was held at the Wenzhou Airport Marriott Hotel, jointly organized by the Wenzhou Stainless Steel Association and Shanghai Steelhome E-Commerce Co., Ltd.
The main theme of the conference was “Policy support, technological innovation, interaction between supply and demand, global development.” The event became a unified platform for industry exchange of experience, search for new development opportunities and the formation of a new ecosystem for high-quality industry growth.
On the afternoon of June 11, the stainless steel analyst of the Stainless Steel Division of Shanghai Steelhome E-Commerce Co., Ltd. Ms. Hu Yeli made a presentation at the industry conference on the topic “Complete overview of the stainless steel pipes and rods market in 2026: opportunities, challenges and forecast for the second half of the year.”
Ms. Hu Yeli, Stainless Steel Analyst, Stainless Steel Division, Shanghai Steelhome
1.Overview of the market for raw materials for nickel- and chromium-containing stainless steels
She noted the following:
(1).Nickel group
In May, prices for nickel pig iron were under pressure due to weakening stock prices and lower ore prices. However, limited supplies of raw materials from Indonesia, changes in scrap metal tax policies and reductions in local production capacity supported the market. An additional factor was a slight increase in 300 series stainless steel production compared to the previous month, which ensured an acceptable level of demand. In general, the market remained highly volatile at high price levels.
According to the aggregate estimate, high-nickel cast iron will maintain high positions in June with a tendency to weaken slightly. Cost support is gradually declining, and the industry is entering its traditional low activity season. However, changes in Indonesia's policies and production will limit price declines. Indicative price ranges for various grades of nickel cast iron were also presented. Going forward, it is recommended to pay particular attention to overseas ore prices, ocean freight rates, sulfur supplies and smelter purchasing rates.
Indonesia has significantly reduced its nickel ore quotas, while demand from the metals industry remains stable. The gap between supply and demand continues to widen. Additional influences come from the policy of redistributing electricity in favor of the aluminum industry, new tax measures and restrictions on sulfur supplies. All of this keeps the nickel iron market tight and provides strong cost support for stainless steel scrap. Currently, Indonesia's nickel pig iron is not included in the state monopoly management system, so the impact of related policies requires further observation.
(2).Chromium group
From January to May, ferrochrome prices first increased and then decreased. Rising chrome ore prices have put pressure on ferrochrome producers' profits. In May, chrome ore reserves in ports remained high, with supply exceeding demand on the market. In addition, ferrochrome production enterprises had sufficient reserves of raw materials, which reduced their purchasing activity and led to a correction in ore prices. Overall, the industry chain remains stable and flexible.
(3).Ferromolybdenum
From January to May, prices for ferromolybdenum increased significantly. The main reason was the increase in the cost of molybdenum concentrate, which led to an increase in production costs. The price transfer between concentrate and ferromolybdenum was pronounced, with a correlation coefficient reaching 92%.
(4).Stainless steel scrap
This year, prices for stainless steel scrap have generally shown strong dynamics. As of early June, the price of grade 304 industrial scrap in Wenzhou has increased markedly compared to the beginning of the year. Thanks to the support from
2. Market overview of stainless steel pipes and rods
From January to May, prices for all major stainless steel products increased compared to the same period last year. The main growth factor was the rise in prices for nickel, molybdenum and other raw materials.
(1).Rods: prices first rose, then began to decline. In May, the willingness of end consumers to accept price increases reached its limit. Additionally, the market entered a season of low demand, which led to weakening price dynamics.
(2).Wire: the market as a whole maintained a moderate upward trend with fluctuations. Prices for major brands have increased to varying degrees compared to last year.
(3).Seamless pipes: The market has gone from weak dynamics to strengthening. Before and immediately after the Spring Festival, business activity remained low. There was a concentrated release of seasonal demand in March and April, pushing up prices. In May, the high season ended, purchases became more cautious, and pipe prices remained at a high level with moderate fluctuations.
3.Forecast for the raw materials market
(1).Nickel cast iron
In the short term, the commodity market as a whole is under pressure. The domestic market for nickel cast iron is in a state of moderate surplus. However, the reduction in production at Indonesian enterprises and the transfer of part of the capacity to the production of high-purity nickel matte creates expectations of a reduction in supply in the third quarter. The market assesses the prospects for nickel cast iron as stable with a tendency to strengthen. Further dynamics will depend on the scale of production cuts and changes in stainless steel production volumes.
(2).Ferromolybdenum
The growth rate of production of molybdenum concentrate and ferromolybdenum lags behind the growth rate of consumer demand. The limited raw material base and stable final demand contribute to maintaining high prices. Ferromolybdenum producers are pursuing a cautious strategy, while smelters are using flexible settlement mechanisms to reduce price risks. Prices are expected to remain stable at high levels.
4. Price forecast for stainless steel coils
In the second half of the year, the stainless steel coil market will receive support from the cost side. However, domestic supply remains high, final demand is relatively weak, exports face some pressure and inventory levels remain high. Therefore, the market is likely to maintain high-level fluctuations. The main influence on further dynamics will be the effectiveness of the implementation of government support measures and the restoration of demand. The growth potential for nickel iron is limited and fluctuations are expected to continue at high levels.
5. Price forecast for stainless steel rods and pipes
In the future, differentiation between grades 304 and 316L is possible.
(1).Series 304:
①.Adequate production capacity;
②.High competition in the market;
③.Weak domestic and external demand;
④.Limited potential for price growth.
(2).316L Series:
①.Strong support from high ferromolybdenum prices;
②.High added value of products;
③.Priority from the market and production plans;
④.Higher price stability.
Shanghai Xinliang Stainless Pipe Industry Co.,Ltd
Shanghai Xinliang Stainless Steel Pipe Industry Co.,Ltd. Since its establishment in 1996, has been specializing in the development, production and sales of high-precision, small-size and thin-walled stainless steel capillary tubes and related tube products.
Over more than twenty years of continuous development, the company has grown from a small enterprise to one of China's recognized experts in the production of high-precision stainless steel pipes.
