Steel rose to 3,228 CNY/T on July 24, 2025, up 0.62% from the previous day. Over the past month, Steel's price has risen 9.54%, and is up 2.93% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Steel - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

After demand for steel dropped during the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, steel prices also took a hit. However, in 2021, hot-rolled coil (HRC) steel prices were projected to rebound to around *** U.S. dollars per metric ton—a ** percent recovery from the dip in prices that had continued into 2020. The U.S. market by the end of 2021 The United States is among the markets where hot-rolled coil (HRC) steel prices are the highest in the world. It was expected that U.S. steel distributors and producers, such as Nucor and United States Steel, would benefit from the steel tariffs on U.S. imports that came into effect in the spring of 2018. At the same time, U.S. imports from the countries subjected to the so-called Section 232 tariffs were projected to decline. By the end of 2021, Canada was the main country of origin for the U.S.’s imports for consumption of steel products. Impact on the Chinese market Even though a large part of China's steel exports to the United States had already been restricted through antidumping or countervailing duties, trade tensions put pressure on steel markets worldwide, including China. Chinese steel product imports amounted to ***** million U.S. dollars, making it the ninth country of origin for steel products in the United States. Overall, rolled steel was the seventh largest category of Chinese export goods in 2021, amounting to almost *** billion yuan (approximately ** billion U.S. dollars). This comes after China's steel sector had a drop in sales to its domestic auto sector in early 2019.

China Transaction Price: 36 City Avg: Stainless Steel: 2.0, 304/2B Cold Roll data was reported at 15,097.180 RMB/Ton in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 15,170.080 RMB/Ton for Feb 2025. China Transaction Price: 36 City Avg: Stainless Steel: 2.0, 304/2B Cold Roll data is updated monthly, averaging 16,515.000 RMB/Ton from Dec 2011 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 160 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 22,569.000 RMB/Ton in Jan 2012 and a record low of 13,381.000 RMB/Ton in Dec 2015. China Transaction Price: 36 City Avg: Stainless Steel: 2.0, 304/2B Cold Roll data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Price Monitoring Center, NDRC. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PA: Price Monitoring Center, NDRC: 36 City Monthly Avg: Transaction Price: Production Material.

In June 2023, the price of Steel Spring amounted to $2,595 per ton (FOB, China), which represents a decrease of 2.2% compared to the previous month.

China Transaction Price: 36 City Avg: Carbon Steel: 180mm, 45# data was reported at 4,022.400 RMB/Ton in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4,070.370 RMB/Ton for Feb 2025. China Transaction Price: 36 City Avg: Carbon Steel: 180mm, 45# data is updated monthly, averaging 4,467.670 RMB/Ton from Dec 2011 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 160 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6,211.910 RMB/Ton in May 2021 and a record low of 2,389.000 RMB/Ton in Feb 2016. China Transaction Price: 36 City Avg: Carbon Steel: 180mm, 45# data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Price Monitoring Center, NDRC. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PA: Price Monitoring Center, NDRC: Transaction Price: Production Material: Steel.

HRC Steel fell to 872.95 USD/T on July 24, 2025, down 0.12% from the previous day. Over the past month, HRC Steel's price has fallen 1.81%, but it is still 31.47% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for HRC Steel.

China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Rebar: 2nd M data was reported at 3,044.000 RMB/Ton in Apr 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3,112.000 RMB/Ton for Mar 2025. China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Rebar: 2nd M data is updated monthly, averaging 3,760.000 RMB/Ton from Mar 2009 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 194 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,835.000 RMB/Ton in Sep 2021 and a record low of 1,687.000 RMB/Ton in Nov 2015. China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Rebar: 2nd M data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Shanghai Futures Exchange. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Financial Market – Table CN.ZB: Shanghai Futures Exchange: Commodity Futures: Settlement Price.

In 2023, the price of fabricated structural steel in the United Kingdom has fallen by over ** percent. That came after the cost of that building material soared between 2020 and 2022. Most of that price increase happened in 2021, with a growth rate of **** percent that year. Structural steel is widely used for construction because it is durable, malleable, and strong, while also being cheaper than many other metals. For example, it is often used as a structural material for skyscrapers and other buildings, as well as for infrastructure. Why has the price of steel increased? Those price increases seen until 2022 have not just affected the UK, but many other countries around the world. For example, the cost of fabricated structural metal in the U.S. and that of structural steel and other steel products in Germany reached their highest growth rate in 2022. Supply chain disruptions along with a decrease in the global production of crude steel in 2020 were some of the main reasons for those price hikes in 2021. In addition to that, the price of iron ore, which is the main component of steel, and energy also had a strong impact on the final price of steel products those years. Largest steel producers In the past couple of years, China was by far the largest steel producer in the world, with a production volume that was well over ***** times higher than that of the second country in the ranking: India. Although the United States was also on that list along with Japan and Russia, it was not among the leading exporters of steel. The reason for that discrepancy is that a big share of the production in countries of the size of the U.S., China, and India goes to fill their own domestic needs. Meanwhile, **** of the ** companies with the highest output of steel came from China, with the rest coming from Luxembourg, Japan, South Korea, India, and the U.S.

Imports of cast articles of iron or steel in China stood at X tons in 2017, jumping by X% against the previous year. Overall, imports of cast articles of iron or steel continue to indicate an abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2008, when it surged by X% y-o-y. In that year, the imports of cast articles of iron or steel attained its maximum volume of X tons.

The statistic shows the average sales price of steel products in China from 2011 to 2014. In 2011, the average sales price of steel products in China had amounted to ***** yuan per ton.

Baosteel has raised its flat steel prices by 100 yuan per tonne for March, amidst fluctuations in the Shanghai Futures Exchange, expanding its global market reach.

The average hot-rolled free-cutting steel export price stood at $568 per ton in February 2025, with an increase of 3.1% against the previous month.

Snapshot img

Stainless Steel Market Size 2023-2027

The stainless steel market size is forecasted to increase by 10,299.64 thousand tons at a CAGR of 3.38% between 2022 and 2027. Market growth relies on various factors, notably the increased consumption of high-strength stainless steel, propelled by its corrosion resistance and excellent mechanical properties. Additionally, economic expansion in China and India contributes significantly to market growth. As these nations continue to develop industrially and infrastructurally, the demand for stainless steel, particularly for construction and manufacturing applications, is expected to rise. This confluence of factors positions the market for substantial growth in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the stainless steel market analysis report includes historic market data from 2017 to 2021. The stainless steel market forecast indicates robust expansion, driven by increasing demand for steel across various industries. The stainless steel market size growth is propelled by advancements in production technologies and the rise of sustainable manufacturing practices. Current stainless steel market trends show a surge in applications, particularly in construction and automotive sectors, underscoring its vital role in modern infrastructure.

What will be the Size of the Stainless Steel Market During the Forecast Period?

To learn more about this stainless steel market report, Download Report Sample

Stainless Steel Market Segmentation

The stainless steel market research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD Million' for the period 2023 to 2027, as well as historical data from 2017 to 2021 for the following segments

End-user Outlook 

  Metal products
  Mechanical engineering
  Automobile and transportation
  Infrastructure and construction
  Electrical engineering





Product Outlook

  Flat
  Long





Region Outlook

  North America

    The US
    Canada


  Europe

    The UK
    Germany
    France
    Rest of Europe


  APAC

    China
    India


  Middle East and Africa

    Saudi Arabia
    South Africa
    Rest of the Middle East and Africa


  South America

    Argentina
    Brazil
    Chile

By End-user

The market share growth by the metal products segment will be significant during the forecast period. The use of stainless steel in metal products provides an aesthetic appeal, extensive textures, strength, functionality, corrosion resistance properties, and ease of cleaning properties such products, driving the growth of steel manufacturing. The demand for stainless steel for manufacturing metal products is high due to its ease of fabrication and mechanical properties.

Get a glance at the market contribution of various segments. Request PDF Sample

The metal products segment showed a gradual increase in the market share of 20,426.71 thousand t in 2017. Stainless steel is used in jewelry, belt buckles, clips, casings, watch straps and backs, cooker hoods, outdoor kitchen cabinets, worktops, drainers, sinks, and others. It is also used in kitchen vessels due to its hygiene properties, durability, and resilience to food discoloration and spoilage. The shift in consumer preference toward hygienic and easy-to-clean products is likely to increase the demand for stainless steel in metal products during the forecast period.

By Region

For more insights on the market share of various regions, Request PDF Sample now!

APAC is estimated to account for 76% of the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. APAC has some of the largest stainless steel-producing countries in the world, such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India. China was the largest producer and consumer of stainless steel in 2020. Manufacturers are shifting to the consumption of scrap steel and stainless steel as raw materials to reduce pollution as well as manufacturing costs. These factors will drive the growth of the market in APAC during the forecast period.

Stainless Steel Market Dynamics

The market plays a vital role across various sectors, including residential housing, building & construction, railways, and automotive & transportation. Its resistance to corrosion surpasses that of carbon steel, making it a preferred choice. Renowned companies like Jindal Steel and Daido Steel contribute to its production capacities. Stainless steel finds applications in diverse architectural elements such as railings, roofing, and staircases, offering both pliability and appealing aesthetic properties. Moreover, it serves industrial needs like heat exchangers and tubulars, alongside providing swimming pool shades, canopies, and atriums with durability and low maintenance cost during repair and renovation

Iron ore prices are dropping to their lowest since September, driven by reduced demand and lower steel output in China, with futures falling below $93 per ton.

In 2024, iron ore was worth an average of approximately *** U.S. dollars per dry metric ton unit (dmtu), compared to only ** U.S. dollars per dmtu in 2000. The month with the highest average iron ore price in 2021 was June, at over *** U.S. dollars per dmtu. Iron ore: market context and price fluctuation Iron ore is composed of minerals and rocks from which metallic iron can be extracted. Iron ore is an important part of the world economy, as a large proportion of iron ore is used to make steel, which is a widely used material globally. In a given year, the monthly price of iron ore varies noticeably, ranging for example from a high of ****** U.S. dollars per dmtu in June 2021 down to a low of ***** U.S. dollars per dmtu in November 2021. Major iron ore producing nations Australia has the world's largest iron ore reserves, at ** billion metric tons of crude iron ore and is also the world's largest producer of iron ore. Not surprisingly, China, the world's leading steel manufacturer, is also the world's leading importer of iron. In recent years, China's iron imports have increased significantly, from ****** million metric tons in 2004, to over *** billion metric tons in 2018.

In the second quarter of financial year 2025, the cost of a 16 mm steel bar in the Indian cities of Chennai and Hyderabad reached ** Indian rupees per kilogram. However, in Delhi, the steel was slightly more affordable. Compared to the previous year, there was a noticeable increase in steel prices across all cities. The significant uptick in the cost of steel in India towards the end of 2020, was believed to be a result of China’s increased demand for Indian iron ore. Crude steel India’s crude steel production has been growing steadily, with the basic oxygen furnace (BOF) being the preferred production method. While both private and public sector companies contribute to this production, the private sector, dominates the market. JSW Steel, in particular, has the highest production capacity in India, contributing significantly to the country’s position as the world’s second-largest producer of steel. Steel consumption in India Steel consumption in India has been on a steady rise, with the country’s rapid industrialization and development in sectors such as construction, automobile, and infrastructure. This upward trend in steel consumption is estimated to persist, with an annual growth rate of **** percent in fiscal year 2024.

Iron Ore rose to 98.27 USD/T on July 23, 2025, up 0.16% from the previous day. Over the past month, Iron Ore's price has risen 3.85%, but it is still 8.56% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Iron Ore - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

In February 2025, the average hot-rolled bearing steel bar export price amounted to $609 per ton, reducing by -9% against the previous month.

Hong Kong Wholesale Price: Glavanised Mild Steel: Steel Flats data was reported at 12,302.000 HKD/Ton in Aug 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 12,302.000 HKD/Ton for Jul 2018. Hong Kong Wholesale Price: Glavanised Mild Steel: Steel Flats data is updated monthly, averaging 9,991.500 HKD/Ton from May 2003 (Median) to Aug 2018, with 184 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 12,347.000 HKD/Ton in Jun 2018 and a record low of 2,983.000 HKD/Ton in May 2003. Hong Kong Wholesale Price: Glavanised Mild Steel: Steel Flats data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Census and Statistics Department. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Hong Kong SAR – Table HK.P004: Wholesale Price: Construction Materials.

Learn about the constantly changing factors affecting the price of aluminum steel in the manufacturing industry, including the impacts of supply and demand, production costs, and global economic trends. Discover how the trade war between the US and China, and the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in highly volatile pricing. Prices range from $0.70 to $2,500 per metric ton depending on the region and type of product.