Firm SUS304 Cold Rolled Flat Price in Tokyo

Market price of nickel series stainless cold rolled flat steel is firm at around 290,000 yen per tonne for SUS304 base size around Tokyo. The price is likely to increase more in the month when the dealers try to pass the higher cost price after the makers’ hike.

A major dealer source said the dealers have stock out size mainly for base size. The dealers are still cautious for overstock and they minimize the restock while they also expect higher price.

Nickel ingot price is near US$ 9 per pound at London Metal Exchange. The price is fluctuating around the level while the price shows some sign to plunge. The dealers try to find the trend but they are still cautious for potential plunge for nickel and stainless price.

The dealers’ attitude contributed to the current tight supply when the dealers’ inventory decreased widely after their limited procurement. The market price is likely to increase more under pressure from the makers and tight supply in the dealers’ market while the construction demand is still around half of a year earlier level.