For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American region experienced a stable pricing environment for Stainless Steel CR Coil. This quarter has been characterized by consistent market conditions, with prices remaining steady due to a balance in supply and demand dynamics. Moreover, Factors like stable production levels, moderate demand, and overall market stability influenced the pricing trend.
Moreover, the correlation in price changes between the first and second half of the quarter remained stable, indicating a relatively flat trajectory. Additionally, domestic production has decreased month-on-month but shows improvement year-on-year. Moreover, the supply chain has faced various challenges, including input shortages, customs delays, and rising input costs, adding to the complexity of the market dynamics. Furthermore, the demand for Stainless Steel CR coil in Mexico has also experienced a stability. As a result, prices of Stainless-Steel CR coil in Mexico remained stable.
The latest quarter-ending price for SS-304 CR Plate (6 mm) FOB Manzanillo in Mexico was recorded at USD 4877/MT, underscoring the stable pricing sentiment prevalent throughout the quarter.
APAC
Throughout Q3 2024, the Stainless-Steel CR Coil market in the APAC region has experienced a period of decreasing prices, influenced by a combination of factors. The market has been notably impacted by persistent oversupply, sluggish demand, and rising input costs. These challenges have created a downward pressure on prices, leading to a negative trend in the pricing environment.
In China, which has seen the most significant price changes, the Stainless-Steel CR Coil market has reflected overall trends in the region. Additionally, there is a decrease compared to the same quarter last year which underscores the market's struggles. Despite no change from the previous quarter in 2024, the comparison between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a slight decline of 1%.
The latest price recorded at USD 1313/MT for Stainless Steel-201 CR Coil (1 mm) Ex Shanghai in China signifies the prevailing decreasing sentiment in the market, highlighting the challenges faced by industry players in navigating pricing dynamics amidst a complex operating environment.
Europe
The third quarter of 2024 for Stainless Steel CR Coil pricing in the Europe region has been characterized by stability, with prices remaining constant due to consistent supply and demand dynamics. Various factors have influenced market prices, such as steady supply conditions, cautious market sentiment, and stable demand from downstream industries like construction and automotive sectors. These factors have contributed to a balanced pricing environment throughout the quarter.
Germany has experienced notable price changes, reflecting the overall European trend. Price trends have shown an increase from the same quarter last year, indicating a slight uptick in pricing dynamics. Additionally, the quarter recorded an increase from the previous quarter in 2024, signaling a positive trajectory in pricing trends. Moreover, the comparison between the first and second half of the quarter showed no significant price fluctuations.
The quarter-ending price for Stainless Steel-304 CR Sheet (2 mm) FD-Ruhr in Germany settled at USD 2852/MT, reflecting the stable pricing sentiment prevalent in the European region.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
The second quarter of 2024 has been notably challenging for the Stainless-Steel Cold Rolled (CR) Coil market in North America, characterized by a consistent decline in prices. Several fundamental factors have converged to exert downward pressure on market prices. An oversupply situation, fuelled by heightened capacity utilization and amplified raw material availability, has resulted in a significant inventory build-up. This supply glut, compounded by tepid demand from key sectors such as construction and manufacturing, has further destabilized market equilibrium. Elevated interest rates and economic uncertainties have prompted cautious purchasing behaviour, exacerbated the supply-demand imbalance, and led to a bearish market environment.
Focusing on the USA, which has experienced the most pronounced fluctuations, the overall trend has been overwhelmingly negative. The seasonal impact has exacerbated this downturn, with a notable 1% price drop between the first and second halves of the quarter. These shifts can be attributed to subdued construction activity, weak order intake, and increasing freight costs, which have collectively dampened market sentiment.
The latest recorded price for SS-304 CR plate (6 mm) CFR Alabama Port stands at USD 4877/MT, reflecting a persistently negative pricing environment. Overall, the market has faced significant challenges, with the decreasing trend underscoring a negative sentiment throughout the quarter.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the European market for Stainless Steel Cold Rolled (CR) Coil experienced noticeable price increases driven by several influential factors. Key among these were persistent supply constraints, fluctuating demand from critical sectors such as automotive and construction, and an intricate interplay of global economic conditions. The supply side faced pressure due to limited availability of raw materials and logistical bottlenecks, which was compounded by environmental regulations and decarbonization efforts impacting production rates. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions and regulatory measures, such as anti-dumping duties, also constrained imports, adding upward pressure on prices.
Focusing on Germany, which saw the most significant price changes, the market displayed a pronounced upward trend. The overall sentiment was positive, driven by an uptick in demand from the automotive and manufacturing sectors, despite a slowing construction industry. Seasonality played a role, with the second quarter typically seeing higher industrial activity after the winter lull. The correlation in price changes was evident as the increasing demand during this period exacerbated the supply tightness, leading to price hikes. Within Q2, a 2% price rise between the first and second half of the quarter further illustrated the strengthening demand dynamics.
Conclusively, Q2 2024 ended with Stainless Steel CR Coil prices at USD 2851/MT for Stainless Steel-304 CR Sheet (2 mm) FD-Ruhr in Germany, showcasing a robust and increasingly positive pricing environment driven by constrained supply and resilient demand.
APAC
In the second quarter of 2024, Stainless Steel Cold Rolled (CR) Coil prices in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region remained stable, driven by a delicate balance in supply and demand dynamics. Key factors contributing to this price stability include robust production levels, subdued demand from downstream industries, and sustained inventory levels. Despite some fluctuations in global raw material costs and minor interruptions in the supply chain, the overall market sentiment has remained steady. The seasonality effect, characterized by traditional downturns in certain manufacturing sectors, and minimal changes in construction activity have also played pivotal roles in maintaining price stability.
Focusing on South Korea, which experienced the most notable price changes, the market reflected a complex interplay of robust domestic manufacturing output and fluctuating import-export dynamics. The overall trend in South Korea has been one of cautious stability, the first and second halves of the quarter showed no significant price differentiation, indicating consistent market behaviour throughout the period.
The quarter-ending price for Stainless Steel-304 CR Coil (3 mm) in South Korea settled at USD 2875/MT FOB Busan, underscoring the stable pricing environment. This stability, while highlighting an overall positive sentiment, suggests that the market has successfully navigated potential disruptions and maintained equilibrium amidst varying external pressures. The pricing environment, thus, can be characterized as stable, reflecting a market well-adjusted to current economic conditions and supply-demand dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
The North American market for Stainless Steel CR Coil in Q1 2024 saw a significant decline in prices. This decline was influenced by several factors, including an oversupply of Nickel, a key component, and decreased demand from downstream industries such as construction and automotive.
The USA experienced notable price changes in Q1 2024. Prices for Stainless Steel CR Coil dropped, driven by reduced demand from downstream industries and falling nickel prices. The economic downturn had a negative impact on industries like construction and automotive, leading to a decrease in demand for Stainless Steel CR Coil. Both domestic and international buyers exercised caution, further suppressing demand.
Overall, the pricing environment for Stainless Steel CR Coil in North America in Q1 2024 was bearish. The market faced challenges due to an oversupply of Nickel, reduced demand from downstream industries, and uncertainties in the macroeconomy. While there were expansions in mining capacity and discoveries of significant Nickel deposits, these factors did not offset the overall downward trend in prices. The latest quarter-ending price for Stainless Steel CR Coil in the USA was USD 5165/MT for SS-304 CR plate (6 mm) CFR Alabama Port. This price reflects the downward trend experienced throughout the quarter.
APAC
The pricing environment for Stainless Steel CR Coil in the APAC region during Q1 2024 has been relatively stable. Overall, there have been minimal price changes, with some fluctuations observed in China. In China, the market experienced slight price increases in February, driven by a slight recovery in demand from the construction and housing sectors. However, cautiousness among buyers due to uncertain market sentiment and contraction in Chinese manufacturing activity tempered the price growth. The Chinese spot market also saw a slight tightening in supply during the Lunar New Year holidays. Additionally, conflicts in the Red Sea escalated sea freight costs, posing a threat to trade activity. Looking at the overall trends and seasonality, the demand for Stainless Steel CR Coil remained moderate in the APAC region. The resumption of construction sites after the Lunar New Year holidays in China contributed to a slight recovery in demand. However, the shift in consumer spending from goods to services in Europe and the United States impacted imports and trade dynamics. In terms of price changes compared to the same quarter last year, there was no specific percentage mentioned in the provided data. However, the price changes from the previous quarter in 2024 were minimal, reflecting the overall stability in the pricing environment. To conclude, the latest quarter-ending price for Stainless Steel-201 CR Coil (1 mm) Ex Shanghai in China was USD 1322/MT. The pricing environment for Stainless Steel CR Coil in the APAC region has been relatively stable, with minor fluctuations observed in China.
Europe
The Stainless-Steel CR Coil market in Europe experienced a challenging first quarter of 2024, with prices facing a downward trend. This decline can be attributed to several factors that impacted the market. Oversupply was a significant issue, as the European market faced a surplus of Stainless-Steel CR Coil. This oversupply was fuelled by disruptions in production, including strikes at major mills such as Acerinox Palmones in Spain and protests in Finland. These disruptions limited output and added to the supply constraints. Additionally, abundant availability of feedstock, such as nickel and steel scrap, further contributed to the oversupply and reduced production costs. Demand for Stainless Steel CR Coil remained low during the quarter, particularly in the construction sector. The anticipation of a recession in key economies like Germany further dampened demand, leading to a decrease in orders. Elevated interest rates and construction costs also played a role in the reduced demand. In Germany specifically, prices for Stainless Steel CR Coil saw a decline of 1.0% during the quarter. This decrease can be attributed to the same factors mentioned above, including oversupply and low demand in the construction sector. Overall, the pricing environment for Stainless Steel CR Coil in Europe during the first quarter of 2024 was negative, with prices facing downward pressure due to oversupply and reduced demand. The market outlook remains bleak, with uncertainties and challenges continuing to impact the industry. The latest quarter-ending price for Stainless Steel-304 CR Sheet (2 mm) Ex Ruhr in Germany was USD 2744/MT.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
In the North American region, the Stainless-Steel CR Coil market faced challenges during the fourth quarter of 2023. Throughout October, the US market experienced persistent high prices, primarily driven by increased demand from the chemical and automotive sectors. This demand surge was further exacerbated by limited supplies of upstream materials. Additionally, US bond yields increased, reflecting a robust economy.
Moving into November, despite a rise in yield propelled by strong US economic data, an agreement on the steel dispute between the EU and the US remained elusive. During this period, US stainless-steel CR Coil prices saw a decline due to heightened production and decreased consumption. The expansion plans of Outokumpu contributed to an increase in supply, and surpluses in feedstock, along with lower production costs, played a role in influencing the market.
December witnessed further price declines in the US stainless-steel CR Coil market. This was attributed to increased inventory levels and reduced demand. Globally, the Nickel mining industry experienced growth driven by improved feedstock supply. Notably, US stainless steel producers redirected their investments to China to enhance competitiveness. The winter holidays, severe weather conditions, and market uncertainties collectively contributed to subdued demand in the US spot market. The price of SS-304 CR plate (6 mm) Ex Florida in the USA at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 was USD 6326/MT.
Asia-Pacific
The Stainless-Steel CR Coil market in the APAC region witnessed a downtrend during the fourth quarter of 2023, influenced by various factors impacting pricing dynamics. In October, Chinese Stainless-Steel CR Coil prices experienced a decline due to a shift in demand in the southern regions. This shift was triggered by Anti-dumping duties in the US and European markets, coupled with uncertainties in steel scrap and nickel availability. Additionally, China's iron ore stocks reached a 7-year low as steelmakers sought alternative sources, aligning with World Steel's projection of a 7.7% growth in steel demand, thereby reducing iron ore inventories. Later in the fourth quarter, Stainless Steel CR Coil prices continued to decrease due to an increase in nickel supply and a simultaneous decrease in consumption. By December 2023, the Chinese spot market exhibited pricing stability despite reduced demand, global oversupply, adverse weather conditions, and expanded mining operations. The initial public offering (IPO) of China's Tsingshan Holding Group's battery subsidiary impacted nickel prices, and disruptions in Indonesia further affected the Chinese Stainless Steel CR Coil prices. Looking ahead, future trends in the Stainless-Steel CR Coil market will depend on trade dynamics and macroeconomic factors. The latest price for Stainless Steel-304 CR Coil (3 mm) Ex Shanghai in China for the last quarter is USD 2185/MT.
Europe
In the final quarter of 2023, the European market for cold-rolled stainless-steel coils (CR Coils) exhibited stability. Initially, during October 2023, the German spot market for Stainless Steel CR Coils observed a notable price increase attributed to heightened demand from the automotive and chemical sectors. A reduction in the supply of raw materials, especially steel scrap, and Nickel pig iron, led to decreased production rates and depleted global and domestic inventories. Challenges associated with the EU Carbon Border Tax prompted calls for reinforced export bans on EU ferrous scrap, generating concerns about future availability. Moving into November, Stainless Steel CR Coil prices in the German spot market saw a decline due to reduced demand from downstream industries and an oversupply situation. Nornickel adjusted its global nickel surplus estimate, citing consistent production and lower domestic buying rates. Downstream construction and infrastructure demand weakened as winter interrupted manufacturing processes. By the close of 2023, Stainless Steel CR Coil prices in the German spot market further decreased due to oversupply and reduced domestic demand. Arvedi Acciai Speciali Terni extended its production pause due to rising production costs. In Belgium, ArcelorMittal's Torero plant addressed carbon emission concerns by converting waste wood into bio-coal. The withdrawal of German government subsidies in December had an impact on electric vehicle sales, affecting the Stainless-Steel CR Coil sector. The latest price for Stainless Steel-304 CR Sheet (2 mm) Ex Ruhr in Germany at the end of the quarter was USD 2814/MT in December.
