According to the company’s decision, prices for 300-series stainless steel cold-rolled flat products remained unchanged in April, bringing a pause to the price increase trend that had continued since October 2025. During this period, cumulative price increases for 300-series products reached approximately $410 per ton.

Market data indicate that nickel costs declined by around 2% month-on-month in April, falling to approximately $7.80 per pound. In contrast, chromium costs used in 400-series stainless steel remained unchanged for the fifth consecutive month at around $1.60 per pound.

Nippon Steel had previously implemented price increases due to rising raw material and logistics costs. With the latest decision, price stability has been achieved, particularly for 300-series products, while cost pressures in the global stainless steel market persist and regional differences are becoming more pronounced.