Taiwan: Walsin Lihwa raises stainless steel wire prices for seven months in a row

• 316-grade wire prices rise sharply on higher molybdenum costs
  
  
• Taiwanese producers pass through mounting raw material costs
  
  

SteelDaily: Taiwanese stainless steel wire producer Walsin Lihwa raised domestic stainless steel wire rod prices for June, extending its price increase streak to seven consecutive months amid elevated raw material and energy costs. The company increased 300-series stainless steel wire rod prices by TWD 3,000/t, while 316-series prices were raised by TWD 7,000-9,000/t to reflect a sharp rise in molybdenum costs. Prices for 200-series and 400-series grades were left unchanged.

Rising alloy costs drive adjustments

The latest increase comes as molybdenum, copper and stainless steel scrap prices remain elevated, adding pressure to production costs. Market participants noted that molybdenum prices have strengthened significantly in recent months due to tight concentrate availability and robust demand from China, prompting larger price revisions for 316-grade products.

Nickel policies continue to support sentiment

Walsin Lihwa also cited firm nickel market fundamentals as a key factor behind the adjustment. Indonesia's efforts to strengthen state control over strategic mineral resources and tighten oversight of the nickel sector have continued to support nickel prices, reinforcing stainless steel production costs across Asia.

Industry participants view Walsin Lihwa's move, following a similar price increase by Yusco, as an indication that cost pressures remain firmly embedded in Taiwan's stainless steel supply chain. The larger increase for 316-grade products highlights growing alloy-related cost burdens for producers.

Outlook

Taiwan's stainless steel market is expected to remain firm in the near term, supported by elevated nickel and molybdenum costs. However, downstream demand conditions and export market developments will remain key factors influencing future price movements.

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