Stainless steel prices in Asia have shown signs of stabilization early this year, with 304 cold-rolled coilprices hovering at $1,875 per tonne (CIF East Asia). Nickel price fluctuations and recovering chromium prices are likely to influence stainless steel pricing trends overall. Importantly, Indonesia’s nickel export restrictions are expected to keep raw material costs balanced, providing moderate support to stainless steel prices across the region.

While a slight price rebound is anticipated, trade policies such as US tariffs may create additional uncertainty for Asian exporters targeting global markets.