- Price Hikes: Leading Taiwan mill Yusco announced its fourth consecutive monthly price increase for March 2026 deliveries.
- Key Adjustments: Prices for 304 series and 316L surcharges rose by NT$2,000/ton, while the 430 series increased by NT$1,000/ton.
- Regional Support: Indonesia’s Tsingshan raised export quotes by a cumulative US$45/ton in February, providing a firm floor for Asian manufacturers.
- Market Drivers: A combination of tight nickel ore quotas (RKAB) in Indonesia and a surge in AI infrastructure demand in Taiwan (GDP forecast upgraded to 7.71%).
- Current Sentiment: While upward pricing adds market confidence, downstream buyers remain cautious as they navigate high-cost inventories.
The Asian Price Surge: Tsingshan and Yusco Set the Pace
The Asian stainless steel market is entering March 2026 with strong bullish momentum. On February 24, Indonesia’s Tsingshan notified customers of a US$15/ton hike, bringing its total price increase for February to US$45/ton for 304-grade stainless steel.
This upward movement provided the necessary support for Taiwan’s domestic mills, which have been battling rising production costs for three consecutive months.
Yusco’s Fourth Consecutive Monthly Increase
Yieh United Steel Corp. (Yusco), a bellwether for the Taiwan steel industry, officially raised its list prices on February 25. The adjustment aims to offset the relentless climb in raw material and energy expenses:
- The prices for 304 series and surcharges of 316L products are increased by NT$2,000 per ton.
- The prices of the 430 series have risen by NT$1,000 per ton.
Macro Drivers: AI Infrastructure and Nickel Shortages
1. The AI Industry Boom
Taiwan has upgraded its 2026 GDP forecast to 7.71%, largely driven by the explosive growth of the Artificial Intelligence sector. Stainless steel usage is expanding rapidly within AI infrastructure, specifically for high-performance server racks, cooling systems, and data center structural components. This specialized demand is providing a steady volume buffer for major mills.
2. Indonesia’s Nickel Mining Restrictions
Supply remains a critical concern. Indonesia’s restrictive nickel ore mining quotas (RKAB) have triggered a rally in LME Nickel and Nickel Pig Iron (NPI) prices. For global steelmakers, these supply-side constraints mean that raw material costs are likely to remain elevated through the end of Q1.
Downstream Outlook: Cautious Optimism
While the price hikes have injected confidence into the market, downstream service centers are proceeding with caution. Many are managing high-cost stock and are waiting for a more significant “warming up” of order volumes from end-users before committing to large-scale inventory replenishment.
Secure Your Supply with YES Stainless International
In a market defined by four months of consecutive price hikes and supply chain volatility, timing is everything. Securing high-quality material at competitive rates requires a partner with deep regional expertise and a robust supply network.
YES Stainless International Co., Ltd. is a leading Taiwan-based manufacturer and exporter specializing in stainless steel coils, sheets, pipes, and precision strips. Whether you are supporting AI infrastructure projects or industrial manufacturing, our team helps you navigate market fluctuations with reliable lead times and ISO 9001-certified quality.
