Taiwan’s major upstream stainless steel mills, including Yieh United Steel Corp. (Yusco) and Tang Eng, raised April prices for 304 products by NT$4,000, representing a five-month upward trend. Total increases over this period now reach NT$19,500. Despite sluggish demand, 304 cold-rolled steel is trending toward the level of NT$70,000 per ton.

Escalating Middle East conflicts, rising energy costs, and a weakening New Taiwan Dollar sustain this upward pressure. Additionally, high nickel ore costs from Indonesia and increased export quotes from Indonesia Tsingshan push production expenses higher.

Although distributors currently pause quotes to observe international developments during the Qingming Festival holiday, market participants expect a clear price surge as inflation becomes unavoidable.