Stainless steel pipe exports rebounded slightly, with improved order structure.
Raw material prices have fluctuated significantly recently, and market sentiment has been volatile; downstream buyers are mainly purchasing on an as-needed basis, while traders are focused on quick turnover.
Increased volatility in raw material prices has led to cautious spot market transactions.
Nickel prices are finding a balance between strong expectations, high inventory, and weak reality, with high prices suppressing downstream purchasing power.
Domestic nickel prices (LME 60%) rose by RMB 15,000/ton (USD 2,148/ton) compared to last week, while domestic nickel pig iron quotations were RMB 292,500/ton (USD 37,588/ton). The market is showing strength due to the release of mining capacity in Myanmar.
Detailed Statistics on Domestic Stainless Steel Pipe Exports in December 2025
According to customs statistics and MySteel data, in December 2025, China’s stainless steel pipe exports reached 806.46 million tons, an increase of 38,552 tons month-on-month, representing a month-on-month increase of 11.6%, and an increase of 12,626 tons year-on-year, representing a year-on-year increase of 17.97%.
With positive expectations for the peak season of “Golden March and Silver April,” stainless steel prices surged at the opening of Qingshan’s new listings.
I. Raw Materials: 1. Nickel: On March 3rd, the LME nickel closing price was $17,160, up $684, or 3.83%; the highest price for SHFE nickel 205% was 1,381,950 yuan, up 15,710 yuan, or 1.13%; Shanghai high-nickel ferrochrome (FeNi5C10000/50) was 8,850 yuan/60 base, and the reference price for high-carbon ferrochrome (FeCr60) was 281,400 yuan/ton, down 1,000 yuan.