According to statistics from China’s Iron and Steel Association, in the first quarter of this year, China’s stainless crude steel production increased by 2.1% compared to the first quarter of last year to nearly 86 million tons. It has been the second-highest level of January-March production since 2021.

Meanwhile, the apparent consumption increased by 2.9% year on year to 7.31 million tons. Among them, 300 series increased by 9.4% year on year to about 45.18 million tons. 200 series decreased by 9.3% year on year to 23.52 million tons, and 400 series slightly increased by 0.6% year on year to 16.33 million tons.