What is SS 304 Steel Price？

What is SS 304 Steel Price: Gangsteel Stainless Solution in China

Introduction to SS 304 Steel Price

The price of SS 304 steel, a staple austenitic stainless steel known for its corrosion resistance and versatility, fluctuates based on global market trends, raw material costs, and regional supply chains. As of October 12, 2025, SS 304 steel prices reflect stabilization after earlier volatility, driven by nickel supply adjustments from Indonesia and steady demand from construction and automotive sectors. Gangsteel, China's leading manufacturer and exporter, offers competitive SS 304 steel pricing for plates, sheets, and rods, ensuring compliance with standards like ASME SA240 and ASTM A240. As experts in ASME SA240 stainless steel plates, Gangsteel provides transparent quotes and value-added services for international buyers. This guide breaks down current SS 304 steel prices, influencing factors, and strategic sourcing tips to help you navigate the market effectively.

What is SS 304 Steel?

SS 304 steel, or AISI 304, is an 18/8 chromium-nickel alloy with a balanced composition that delivers non-magnetic properties, excellent formability, and resistance to atmospheric and mild chemical corrosion. It's the most widely used stainless grade globally, available in forms like plates (up to 100 mm thick), sheets (0.3-6 mm), and rods (diameters 3-500 mm). Equivalent grades include UNS S30400, EN 1.4301, and JIS SUS304, making it interchangeable across standards. Gangsteel's SA240 Gr 304 SS 304 steel is produced via electric arc furnace melting with argon oxygen decarburization (AOD) for low inclusion levels, under ASTM A240 stainless plate certification. This ensures consistent quality, with typical yield strength of 205 MPa and elongation of 40%, ideal for welded structures without post-heat treatment.

Current SS 304 Steel Prices by Region

As of October 12, 2025, SS 304 steel prices have held steady, with hot-rolled plates averaging $1,820-$3,584 per metric ton (MT) globally, influenced by Q3 nickel prices at $16,500/MT. Regional breakdowns for 304 SS plates (2-6 mm thickness, ex-works):

For rods, prices are higher: $2,500-$4,000/MT globally, with Gangsteel at $2,200/MT for 25mm dia. x 6m lengths. Prices exclude VAT and shipping; contact Gangsteel for real-time quotes.

Factors Influencing SS 304 Steel Prices

SS 304 steel prices are shaped by several interconnected dynamics:

• Raw Material Volatility: Nickel, comprising 8-10.5% of SS 304, accounts for 60% of costs; October 2025 LME nickel at $16,500/MT up 2% from September due to supply constraints. Chromium and ferroalloys add 20%.
• Supply Chain and Energy: China's dominance (60% global output) keeps prices low, but EU energy crises push premiums to $300/MT. Freight rates stabilized at $1,500/TEU Asia-Europe.
• Form and Specs: Plates cost less ($1,820/MT) than rods ($3,000/MT) due to processing; custom finishes (mirror +15%) or certifications (PED +10%) inflate totals.
• Demand Trends: Construction (40% usage) and automotive recovery post-2024 slowdown support prices; Q4 forecasts predict 3% rise to $1,900/MT in China.

Gangsteel hedges against volatility with fixed-price contracts for 6-12 months.

Equivalent Materials and Price Implications

SS 304 equivalents affect sourcing costs:

Gangsteel sources equivalents at no markup, aligning with ASTM A 959 stainless steel plates.

Applications and Cost-Benefit Analysis

SS 304 steel's affordability drives adoption:

Gangsteel’s ASME SA 213/SA 213M stainless pipes bundle for 10% savings.

Price Comparison with Other Grades

• SS 304 vs 316: SS 304 at $1,820-$3,584/MT vs 316 at $2,500-$4,000/MT (25% higher for Mo-enhanced pitting resistance).
• SS 304 vs 304L: Marginal +3% for 304L's low C, ideal for welds.
• SS 304 vs 201: SS 304 20% pricier than 201 ($1,200-$1,800/MT) but 2x lifespan in humid air.
• SS 304 vs 430: SS 304 50% more than 430 ($1,000-$1,500/MT) for non-magnetic superiority.

Gangsteel’s nickel alloy steel plates premium grades at +50%.

Why Choose Gangsteel for SS 304 Steel Pricing?

Gangsteel optimizes SS 304 steel pricing with:

• Market-Beating Rates: $1,820/MT base, 25% below US averages.
• Transparency: Real-time quotes with breakdown (alloy 60%, processing 20%, logistics 20%).
• Volume Incentives: 5% off >5MT; free MTCs.
• Sustainability: Recycled content reduces embodied carbon by 30%, appealing to ESG buyers.

Request SA240 Gr 347 for heat variants.

Conclusion

SS 304 steel prices in October 2025 range $1,820-$3,584/MT, balancing affordability with performance for chemical, food, and construction needs. Equivalents like EN 1.4301 ensure flexibility. Gangsteel's China-based solutions, including SA240 Gr 316L and SA240 Gr 904L, deliver value. Contact Gangsteel for UNS stainless steel plates and customized pricing.