Taiwan’s stainless steel sheet market opened the October period with stable pricing, as steel mills and distributors prioritized securing orders amid weak demand.

Despite high raw material costs limiting mills' negotiation space, market players reported little significant price change from the previous month. After a major increase in the 304 grade in September, mill order volumes were reportedly subdued.

Distributors expected a challenging October due to soft domestic and export demand, coupled with holidays reducing working days.

The 304 cold-rolled circulation price is holding steady, supported by firm mill ex-factory prices and stable import costs from Vietnam, which keep competitive pressure manageable. The current focus is on price stability to encourage cautious downstream purchasing.