Tsingshan July List Prices Hold Steady, Wire Quotes Tick Up; Production Hub Operating Rates Stay Elevated

In late July, Tsingshan Group's stainless steel profile list prices continued their steady run, with 304 bar in Wuxi holding at 142,000 CNY/ton, while 304 and 316L wire in the Dainan production hub edged up by 100 CNY/ton. On the industry side, Guangdong Xinyi Metal Products Co., Ltd.'s 30,000-ton annual capacity stainless steel bar and wire project formally cleared its filing review, signaling new supply capacity on the horizon — though near-term market impact is expected to remain limited.

1. Tsingshan List Prices: Bar Flat, Wire Inches Up

According to data from 51bxg, on July 22 Tsingshan 304 stainless steel bar (65mm spec, Wuxi) was quoted at 142,000 CNY/ton, roughly in line with the 141,500 CNY/ton quote in the Wenzhou region on July 21, maintaining the stable trend seen throughout July. Tsingshan 316L bar (65mm spec, Wuxi) held at 285,000 CNY/ton, unchanged.

In the wire segment, Dainan prices showed a modest upward movement: Tsingshan 304 wire (5.5mm spec, Dainan) was quoted at 15,000 CNY/ton, up 100 CNY/ton from the previous day; Tsingshan 316L wire (5.5mm spec, Dainan) was quoted at 30,200 CNY/ton, also up 100 CNY/ton. For angles and channels, Tsingshan 304 angle steel (40*40*4, Wuxi) was quoted at 150,350 CNY/ton and Tsingshan 304 channel steel (5#, Wuxi) was also quoted at 150,350 CNY/ton, both steady.

Market analysts attribute the modest wire price uptick to two main factors: first, nickel prices have been running in a narrow range recently, providing a degree of cost support; second, downstream inquiry activity in the Dainan and Wenzhou production hubs has recovered somewhat compared to earlier periods, improving trader restocking willingness. However, with overall stainless steel demand still in its traditional off-season, upside momentum remains limited, and profile prices are expected to largely consolidate within their current range in the near term.

2. New Capacity: Guangdong Xinyi 30,000-ton Project Clears Filing

Industry sources confirm that Guangdong Xinyi Metal Products Co., Ltd.'s annual 30,000-ton bar and wire (including stainless steel) project filing review officially passed on July 22. This marks the first South China stainless steel profile new-build project to clear approval in the second half of this year.

Industry insiders note that once operational, the project will further diversify the stainless bar and wire supply landscape in the South China region. However, the typical 6-12 month gap between project approval and actual production means near-term impact on the spot market will be limited, functioning more as a medium-to-long-term supply outlook factor. Combined with relatively restrained output scheduling by mainstream mills, the stainless profile market supply-demand structure is not expected to see significant imbalance in the near term.

3. Outlook: August Demand Recovery May Drive Improved Turnover

Overall, the stainless steel profile market is currently in a phase characterized by "cost support present, demand awaiting release." Tsingshan's steady list prices have provided a market price anchor, and the tentative upward adjustment in wire quotes signals a degree of price resilience. As the downstream manufacturing and overseas procurement restocking cycle approaches in August, market turnover is expected to show a phased improvement, with 304 stainless steel profile prices likely trading in the 140,000–145,000 CNY/ton range.

On a medium-to-long-term basis, the gradual entry of high-quality bar and wire new capacity will intensify industry competition, and high-value-added custom profile wire products will continue to be the primary source of profit along the industry chain.