Steel decreased 101 Yuan/MT or 3.05% since the beginning of 2025, 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 March 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 555 U.S. dollars per metric ton—a 15 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 717.7 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 529 billion yuan (approximately 82 billion U.S. dollars). This comes after China's steel sector had a drop in sales to its domestic auto sector in early 2019.

The stainless steel prices in the United States for Q3 2024 reached 3985 USD/MT in September. The USA faced rise in prices driven by robust demand for stainless steel from sectors like automotive and construction. Despite challenges like increased imports and global market uncertainties, the pricing environment displayed strong upward momentum.

Product	Category	Region	Price
Stainless Steel	Metals	United States	3985 USD/MT
Stainless Steel	Metals	China	1615 USD/MT
Stainless Steel	Metals	Germany	3670 USD/MT

Explore IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Stainless Steel Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2025 Edition,” offers an in-depth analysis of stainless steel pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Stainless Steel (316) in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

Report Features	Details
Product Name	Stainless Steel (316)
Industrial Uses	Chemical and petrochemical industry, Mining and material handling, Construction, Energy generation, Oil and gas industry, Aerospace industry, Medical equipment
HS Code	72191190
Supplier Database	SCHAFER WERKE Group, Thielmann-The Container Company, Eagle Stainless, Servolift GmbH, Pharma Hygiene Products
Region/Countries Covered	Asia Pacific: China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand Europe: Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece North America: United States and Canada Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
Currency	US$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database Availability	Yes
Customization Scope	The report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support	360-degree analyst support after report delivery

In May 2024, the price of one metric ton of nickel stood at some 19,586.98 U.S. dollars. In comparison, in December 2016, the price of nickel was just below 10,000 U.S. dollars per metric ton. Thus, the nickel price has increased considerably in recent years, though it continuously fluctuates. In the beginning of 2022, however, the price of nickel skyrocketed due to disruptions to supply chains and a wide scarcity of raw materials and metals. Overview of nickel Discovered in 1751, nickel is a base metal with a silvery-white lustrous appearance that has a slightly golden tinge. The metal is crucial for many global industries, especially, for example, for the production of stainless-steel. Nickel is highly corrosion-resistant and is used to plate other metals in order to protect them. Because of these useful traits, nickel is used in more than 300,000 products worldwide, spanning from architectural, industrial, military, transportation and aerospace, marine, currency, and consumer applications. Nickel price dynamics Though nickel is the fifth most abundant element found on Earth, as with any commodity, the price of nickel can vary widely depending on global market conditions. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, exports of nickel increased dramatically, dropping the price of nickel in the mid-1990s to below production costs. Nickel production in the Western Hemisphere was reduced during that period. Prices then increased again, up to a high of 52,179 U.S. dollars per metric ton in May 2007. Since then, nickel prices have decreased, and have remained between a low of 8,299 U.S. dollars per metric ton and a high of 18,584 U.S. dollars per metric ton between 2016 and 2021. It is forecast that the price of nickel will amount to more than 17,000 U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2025.

HRC Steel increased 180.96 USD/T or 25.52% since the beginning of 2025, 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.

In 2024, the United States' stainless steel exports amounted to approximately 542,730 metric tons, up from 361,810 metric tons registered in the previous year. The export volume of the country decreased by 39 percent between 2014 and 2024.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Stainless Steel Interleaving Paper market size will be USD 481.6 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.20% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 192.64 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 144.48 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 110.77 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 24.08 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 9.63 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 2024 to 2031.
The automotive category is the fastest growing segment of the Stainless Steel Interleaving Paper industry

Market Dynamics of Stainless Steel Interleaving Paper Market

Key Drivers for Stainless Steel Interleaving Paper Market

Increasing Demand from Automotive Industry to Boost Market Growth

The automobile industry's demand for stainless steel interleaving paper contributes significantly to the market's growth. The automotive industry's reliance on high-quality stainless steel components and surfaces has prompted the use of interleaving paper for protection at various points of the manufacturing and supply chains. Trims, grilles, exhaust systems, and ornamental panels are all common applications for stainless steel in the automotive industry. These components frequently have polished or mirror qualities that are prone to scratches and imperfections, necessitating the use of interleaving paper as surface protection. Furthermore, car manufacturers maintain high-quality standards for both functional and aesthetic components. Interleaving paper protects stainless steel parts from damage throughout production, assembly, and transportation, ensuring that they satisfy these standards. Thus, this is expected to propel the industry's expansion.

Growth in Stainless Steel Production to Drive Market Growth

The expansion of stainless steel manufacturing is a major driver of the stainless steel interleaving paper industry, as rising production volumes directly translate into an increased need for protective solutions. Stainless steel's versatility, durability, and corrosion resistance make it an essential material in a variety of industries, increasing the demand for effective protective materials such as interleaving paper. Stainless steel is now widely used in construction, automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods industries around the world. As production grows, producers need interleaving paper to protect sheets, coils, and finished goods from surface damage during processing and transportation. Furthermore, the development of upgraded stainless steel grades, such as those with improved corrosion resistance or high-temperature performance, emphasizes the importance of interleaving paper in preserving premium qualities. According to the British Stainless Steel Association, stainless steel melt shop production globally increased by 5.5% year-on-year, reaching 14.6 million metric tons.

Restraint Factor for the Stainless Steel Interleaving Paper Market

Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices will Limit Market Growth

The price volatility of raw materials such as wood pulp (used in paper production) and specialty chemicals (used for coatings such as anti-corrosion or moisture resistance) might cause interleaving paper makers to incur higher production expenses. These cost increases are frequently passed on to customers, which might reduce market demand in cost-sensitive industries. Additionally, global supply chain difficulties such as transit delays, geopolitical tensions, or natural disasters might result in raw material shortages or price increases. This interrupts manufacturing schedules and undermines market stability. Furthermore, stronger environmental rules governing deforestation, chemical use, and waste disposal can ...

In 2024, the United States' stainless steel producz imports amounted to approximately 917,000 metric tons, up from around 830,000 metric tons registered in the previous year. The import volume of the country decreased by 14 percent between 2014 and 2024.

As per Cognitive Market Research's latest published report, the Global Aerospace Titanium Blisk market size will be $5,373.30 Million by 2029.

Asia Pacific Aerospace Titanium Blisk market size will be USD 2,111.27 Million by 2029.

Factors Affecting Aerospace Titanium Blisk Market Growth:

Rise in demand for commercial aircraft

A commercial aircraft is defined as any aircraft that transports people and/or goods for a fee or other value, such as money or services given. Commercial airliners are used to transport people and freight on a regular basis between designated airports.

Many individuals have begun to favour aircraft over other modes of transportation in recent years, whether domestically or internationally, due to the variety of advantages it provides. People like to go by plane because of their fast speed. Flights can traverse great distances in a short amount of time. This makes this model the best option if the client has to transport a product quickly or if their freight requires particular protection or accommodation.

Aviation shipping also has a high level of security because airport safety limits on cargo are tightly enforced. Thus, many people often prefer flights for travelling as well as cargo services. This increases the number of flights. The demand for commercial aircraft has increased as the number of flights has increased.   The commercial aviation sector is expected to deliver 19,330 aircraft over the next 10 years, according to Boeing's updated predictions, with the bulk of those being single-aisle jets like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 Max. This raises the demand for aircraft titanium blisks. Consequently, the rise in demand for commercial aircraft stimulated the growth of the aerospace titanium blisk market.

Benefits associated with the usage of titanium

Titanium is frequently employed in a variety of aerospace applications due to its numerous benefits. Titanium is 45 per cent lighter than steel and has twice the strength of aluminium yet is just 60% of the weight. It is corrosion-resistant in seawater as well as its’ melting point is 3,034.4 degrees Fahrenheit, making it resistant to extreme temperatures (1,668 degrees Celsius). Even at high flow rates, it resists abrasion, cavitation, and erosion. It is even biodegradable. As a result, titanium becomes the great decision for aerospace blisk employed in NASA spaceships and other cutting-edge technologies.

Similarly, the price of titanium has decreased in recent years, which can assist aircraft producers. Titanium cost $5,200 per metric ton in 2015 but dropped to $4,150 per metric ton in 2017. As a result of the cost savings connected with the repair process, aerospace market participants were not hesitant to acquire a new blisk.

Over the course of its 30-year life, a contemporary commercial aircraft is designed to fly over 60.000 hours and make over 20.000 flights. The high-performance materials employed in both the airframe and propulsion systems are largely responsible for this incredible capacity. Titanium plays a significant role in one of these high-performance materials.

Furthermore, rather than producing bare compressor discs and afterwards adding the blades, blisks are single parts that combine the two. This eliminates the need for the blades to be mounted to the disc, decreasing the number of components in the compressor and improving air compression efficiency in the engine.

Titanium is also available in alloys including other metals such as aluminium, steel, and stainless steel. These alloys offer excellent corrosion, fatigue, cracking, and high-temperature resistance. They are suited for high-stress military applications such as aeroplanes, naval ships, missiles, and spacecraft because of their characteristics. The use of blisks in modern turbojet engines' compressors and fans not only improves performance but also eliminates the need to assemble the rotor disc and blades, allowing the critical component to being produced in a single configuration on the same machine tool.

As a result, benefits associated with the usage of titanium drive the growth of the aerospace titanium blisk market.

Restraints for Aerospace Titanium Blisk Market

Availability of substitute products (Access Detailed Analysis in the Full Report Version)

Opportunities for Aerospace Titanium Blisk Market

Rising usage of military aircraft (Access Deta...

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 66 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 nine percent in fiscal year 2024.

In 2023, nickel had an average price of approximately 21,521 U.S. dollars per metric ton, a decrease of more than 4,000 U.S. dollars compared to the previous year. Top nickel producing regions In 2023, Indonesia produced the largest volume of nickel from mines in the world, totaling 1.8 million metric tons, while the Philippines produced 400,000 metric tons. Norilsk Nickel (also known as Nornickel) from Russia is one of the largest producers of nickel in the world. One of its largest mining operations is located in northern Russia within the Norilsk-Talnakh area. Nickel life cycle Nickel is a lustrous metal and is used for various applications, such as in plating metals, due to its resistance to corrosion. Nickel is not mined directly but is extracted from ores such as iron ore limonite. The metal can be extracted through roasting and reduction processes. Most often, nickel is used as part of nickel steels, including stainless steel, in alloys, and in electroplating. The worldwide consumption of nickel exceed three million metric tons in 2023. Historically, nickel has been used since 3500 BCE as a natural nickel-iron alloy.

The total sales of steel drums in Southeast Asia are estimated to be valued at US$ 423.6 million in 2023 and are projected to reach US$ 835 million by 2033. The revenue is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 7.0% in the assessment period 2023 to 2033.

Attributes	Key Insights
Southeast Asia Steel Drum Business Size (2022A)	US$ 395.8 million
Southeast Asia Steel Drum Business Estimated Revenue (2023E)	US$ 423.6 million
Southeast Asia Steel Drum Business Projected Revenue (2033F)	US$ 835 million
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033)	7.0%

2018 to 2022 Southeast Asia Steel Drum Industry Outlook Vs. 2023 to 2033

Historical CAGR (2018 to 2022)	4.6%
Historical Value (2022)	US$ 395.8 million

Semi-annual Southeast Asia Steel Drum Business Update

Particular	Value CAGR
H1 (2022 to 2032)	7.7%
H2 (2022 to 2032)	7.4%
H1 (2023 to 2033)	7.2%
H2 (2023 to 2033)	7.0%

Category-wise Insights

Segment	Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033)
Carbon Steel (Material Type)	7.2%
55 Gallon (Capacity)	7.4%

Scope of the Report

Attribute	Details
Estimated Southeast Asia Steel Drum Business Revenue (2023)	US$ 4.6 billion
Projected Southeast Asia Steel Drum Business Revenue (2033)	US$ 7.2 billion
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033)	7.0%
Forecast Period	2023 to 2033
Historical Data	2018 to 2022
Business Analysis	Value (US$ million) and Volume (metric tons)
Report Coverage	Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends and Pricing Analysis
Segments Covered	Capacity Material Head Type End-use Country
Key Companies Profiled	Mauser Packaging Solutions Greif Inc. Balmer Lawrie & Co. Limited Time Technoplast Ltd. Schütz GmbH & Co. KGaA. PT Rhem Indonesia, Tbk. PT Karya Sarana Drumindo. Pelangi Indah Canindo Malayan Metal Works Sicagen India Limited Nippon Steel Drum Co. Ltd. Saeng Thai Metal Drum Co., Ltd. HAS Industries Pte Ltd Jurong Barrels & Drums Industries Pte Ltd Global Barrels Industries Pte Ltd EcoDrum Sdn Bhd PT. PRAJAMITA INTERNUSA Saeng Thai Metal Drum Company Limited (STD) Pyramid Technoplast Ltd Indonesia Raya Makmur PT.

In recent years, nickel prices have hit some of their all-time highest numbers, at an average of almost 26,000 U.S. dollars per metric ton throughout 2022. This was driven by a large spike in prices at the end of that year, where they peaked at 31,275 U.S. dollars per ton in mid-November. The recent surge in nickel prices has been driven by several factors, including disruptions to Russia's (the world's third-largest nickel producer) export industry following its invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, demand for nickel has grown alongside the growth of lithium-ion battery production, driven by the growth of the electronic car market. However, these recent peaks are still well below the all-time annual high of more than 37,000 U.S. dollars in 2007, where low international supply coupled with high demand from China's stainless-steel manufacturing industries caused prices to soar.

In 2023, the global mine production of the transition metal chromium amounted to a gross weight of 41 million metric tons, a significant increase from the 2010 production volume of 23.7 million metric tons.

Chromium and its uses

Chromium is a chemical element with hard and brittle features. The metal is the main additive in stainless steel because it provides anti-corrosive properties. It is considered valuable because it can be polished to a high degree while being tarnish resistant. Chrome plating, often simply referred to as chrome, consists of a thin layer of chromium being electroplated onto a metal object. Chrome can be used for both decorative purposes – as in the automotive industry – and for industrial purposes, in order to reduce friction, minimize seizing of parts, and more.

Chromium: the global picture

The world's total chromium reserves amounted to some 560 million metric tons as of 2023. Kazakhstan held the largest reserves worldwide, accounting for 230 million metric tons or more than 40 percent of the world's total that year. Meanwhile, the leading chromium producing country in 2023 was South Africa, the holder of the second largest reserves globally. Turkey, Kazakhstan, and India were amongst the other leading producers worldwide.