Stainless Steel News Today

Indian HRC and CRC prices remained unchanged across major markets as stable demand met expanding supply. Structural demand from infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing continues to grow, but rising domestic capacity and cautious buyer behavior are limiting price upside. The market remains balanced to mildly oversupplied.

Stainless steel prices remained steady to firm, supported by higher nickel prices and stable domestic demand. The 200 series continued to outperform amid import shortages, while 300 series sentiment stayed positive. JSL’s latest price hikes reinforced bullish expectations, particularly for nickel-linked grades.

China's PVC output is projected to increase by 5.63% year-on-year, reaching 6.38 million tonnes in Q1. This rise is attributed to fewer maintenance activities and anticipated export growth driven by an export rebate policy.

China's food-grade phosphoric acid exports surged 34.08% YoY in Q4 2025, reaching 117,912.72 tonnes. December volume also rose 19.30% YoY, indicating strong demand and market sentiment driven by international procurement.

China's 1-hexene capacity reached 247,800 t/y in 2026, targeting 600,000 t/y by 2028. This expansion aims for high-end and green transformation, crucial for polyolefin manufacturing and fine chemicals.

The EU's new carbon tariff pushes India's No. 2 steel industry, exporting 60% to the EU and coal-reliant, towards green steel. Companies are investing over $1 billion, but challenges remain. China is better prepared.

India's Electrical Steel Market is projected to reach US$ 7.6 billion by 2033, growing at a 16.0% CAGR from US$ 2.7 billion in 2026, driven by EV adoption and power infrastructure expansion.

Galvanizing in 2025 was weaker. Construction declined (investment down 17.2%). PV installations grew 33% (274.89 GW) initially, then weakened. Steel tower demand was robust (grid investment up 16.17%). 2026 outlook shows no major growth.

India's coking coal imports rose nearly 10% in 2025 to 62.6 million tonnes, with combined metallurgical coal at 83.2 million tonnes. This fuels steel expansion for infrastructure, highlighting raw material gaps and impacting supply chains and climate.

India's coking coal imports rose 10% to 62.6 mnt in CY'25, total met coal 83.1 mnt, driven by 10% higher steel output. Australia led coking coal; Russia dominated PCI. Prices may remain higher in CY'26.