All major stainless producers in the US have cut output by between 25 and 50 percent. Nevertheless, delivery leadtimes for hot rolled plate are down to 5 or 6 weeks. Buyers are waiting in expectation of lower surcharges in January and February and some mills are reflecting this in their current offers. Suppliers are receiving plenty of requests for quotes. This may be due, in part, to customers revising their bids for projects. Major Japanese producer, NSSC, has reduced its prices for austenitic heavy plate by 50,000 RMB per tonne, through its alloy link mechanism, while doubling the production cutback at its Yawata works to 20 percent.
展开▼
