KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN — Yieh United Steel Corporation (Yusco), Taiwan’s leading integrated stainless steel manufacturer, officially released its domestic market pricing for November 2026 on October 29. The mill increased prices for Grade 304 hot-rolled and cold-rolled coils by NT$1,000 per metric ton, while holding prices flat for Grade 316L surcharges and Grade 430 ferritic products.
This adjustment marks the fourth consecutive monthly price increase for Yusco’s 304 series flat products, following consecutive hikes of NT$1,500/ton in August and September, and NT$1,000/ton in October.
Key Market & Cost Drivers behind the Adjustment
The continued price momentum reflects a combination of solid industrial demand and elevated production expenditures across Northeast Asia:
Robust Semiconductor & Industrial Demand: Expansion in semiconductor capital expenditure (CapEx) and steady equipment fabrication continue to generate strong orders for high-grade 300-series flat products. Additionally, broader manufacturing sectors have engaged in post-summer inventory replenishment, creating a reliable demand baseline for primary mills.
Rising Upstream Import & Logistics Costs: Production expenditures remain elevated due to higher global crude oil prices, which have driven up international ocean freight and transport fees.
Currency Exchange Pressure: Depreciation of the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) against major currencies has pushed up the landed cost of imported raw materials—such as nickel intermediate feedstocks and ferrochrome—forcing primary producers to pass cost-push pressures on to domestic list prices.
Price Adjustment Overview
| Stainless Steel Grade / Surcharge | November Price Action | Cumulative Trend (Aug – Nov 2026) |
| Grade 304 (Hot-Rolled & Cold-Rolled) | 📈 +NT$1,000 / Ton | 4th Consecutive Increase (+NT$5,000/t cumulative gain) |
| Grade 316L (Moly-Bearing Surcharge) | ➡️ Rolled Over (Flat) | Stable molybdenum input costs; no additional surcharge applied. |
| Grade 430 (Ferritic Series) | ➡️ Rolled Over (Flat) | Steady chromium feed balance; ferritic baseline remains unchanged. |
Strategic Market Outlook for Procurement Managers
Firm Floor for Asian Spot Offers: Yusco’s four-month cumulative increase of NT$5,000/ton (~$158/t) demonstrates that primary Asian mills are actively managing crude melt schedules to defend operating margins rather than bowing to paper derivatives speculation.
Stable 316L & 430 Outlook: With molybdenum and chromium input costs holding steady, buyers sourcing 316L marine/chemical grade coil or 430 appliance grade sheet can expect cost stability through November.
Trade Compliance Focus: International buyers sourcing processed coils from Asian service centers should ensure all shipments are accompanied by a verified EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate (MTC) with complete Heat Number traceability to comply with active EU and US import verification requirements.
