Taiwan’s stainless steel manufacturers recently increased prices for 304 flat-rolled steel products by NT$1,500 per ton for August, initiating active pricing negotiations with downstream distributors. Producer rate levels reflected firm cost support measures.

Despite sluggish market demand, producers are maintaining price floors due to stabilizing July and August nickel prices above US$17,000, steady Indonesian raw material quotations, and a weakening New Taiwan Dollar trading near 32.447 against the US dollar. Distributor valuation direction is expected to become clearer as negotiations conclude.