Taiwan’s H-beam steel market experienced three consecutive months of price increases, with cumulative increases nearing NT$3,000 per ton. Tung Ho Steel raised its H-beam prices by NT$400 per ton yesterday, while the industry awaits Dragon Steel’s pricing announcement for May, with market expectations for an increase of NT$800-1000 per ton.

Manufacturers previously linked these rises in H-beams to scrap raw material costs, noting international scrap price hikes. However, as US and domestic scrap costs stabilize, producers face difficulty using this specific factor for future increases.

Meanwhile, SN steel plate prices climbed to NT$28,000 per ton, narrowing the gap with H-beam products. For May, market participants expect potential price adjustments to stem from the cost of imported materials rather than domestic scrap, particularly as demand in South Korea and Japan remains strong, driving up global import quotes.