Stainless steel pipe, fittings & flanges report: December 2017
November’s base price increases by the major U.S. producers seem to have stuck, this according to American Metal Market (AMM). The metal-tracking firm’s analysts also believe stainless surcharges will increase in December for Type 201, 304 and 316 products with increases ranging from around 2% percent for 201 up to more than 6% percent for Type 316. Stainless surcharges slumped in November. December’s increases are due to rising nickel and manganese prices.
MEPSpredicts global stainless steel production will hit an all-time high in 2017, topping by 3.8% the previous record set last year. The trend will continue upward in 2018 as analysts with MEPS foresee another 3%-plus gain.