27th May 2015
It is reported that EU stainless mills are pushing for price increases for new production and lead times from EU mills are into September/October, with EU import levels falling following the imposition of anti-dumping duties on China (now confirmed at 24.4% to 25.3%) and Taiwan (6.8%) for Cold Rolled Stainless Steel. Imports from these two countries have supplied up to 17% of the EU market. The anti-dumping duties are to be confirmed at the end of September.
Nickel stock on L.M.E. has risen to over 3 months Global consumption, reflecting weak demand and overcapacity in China, which has held down the Nickel price.