Rumors of another four-digit price increase from China Steel Corporation (CSC) have unsettled downstream manufacturers in Taiwan. Although CSC said it was too early to finalize the price adjustments on April 17, the company does not rule out a significant hike due to volatile oil and freight costs. CSC characterized its stance as a reaction to wider market changes.

Hot-rolled steel prices currently sit at NT$19,500 following April’s NT$1,200 increase. If CSC implements another four-digit raise, market prices will firmly exceed the NT$20,000 level.

Downstream players, originally expecting a smaller NT$500 adjustment, now face much higher costs as the market anticipates continued upward momentum in the coming month.