AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL PRICES TO STAY LOW THROUGH 2008

摘要

Stainless steel prices have had a very turbulent twelve months. Since August 2007, cold rolled coil type 304 transaction values in North America have dropped by approximately 1650 US dollars per tonne, EU figures have plunged by over 1150 US dollars per tonne and Asian numbers have moved down by almost 800 US dollars per tonne. Hot rolled coil and plate recorded similar declines in all regions, with the exception of Europe where basis values for plate reduced by a greater amount. A steep descent in the cost of nickel on the LME was the main cause of the decreases. Bigger falls were noted in grade 316 transaction prices.