Taiwan’s stainless steel producers face improved business prospects as international nickel prices rise past US$18,000 per ton, increasing by over 5% weekly. Cost pressures from Indonesia’s revised nickel valuation and Middle East geopolitical instability push market prices upward, with May price adjustments anticipated for domestic mills.
Walsin Lihwa is advancing into high-value sectors, including aerospace, nuclear power, and AI server components, where its cold-finished bars serve cooling systems. Meanwhile, YC Inox utilizes its Turkish facility to service European and North African markets amid higher price levels. Professional processor Yuen Chang stands to profit from inventory appreciation and price spreads during this uptrend.
With Chinese stainless steel futures reaching two-year highs, domestic firms expect improved profit margins as they pass on raw material costs, positioning the industry for a strong second quarter.