Understanding Stainless steel 304 prices
Raw materials and production
Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy containing enough chromium to support corrosion resistance. Alloying additions and processing distinguish different grades. Grade 304 commonly contains chromium and nickel, while other grades can have different compositions and properties.
Applications and consumption
Food-processing equipment, kitchen products, building fittings and industrial machinery use stainless steel. Buyers select grades for corrosion performance and fabrication needs. Plate, coil and finished household products are different commercial forms with additional processing costs.
What affects Stainless steel 304 prices?
Nickel, chromium-bearing inputs, scrap and energy costs influence stainless-steel production. Manufacturing orders and mill output affect demand and availability. Grade, surface finish and thickness help explain differences between generic plate references and a specified grade-304 quotation.
How to read Stainless steel 304 price today
This page follows Stainless steel 304 in Shanghai Futures Exchange. The price type is Futures settlement, with values expressed in CNY/t. Compare quotations only after matching the product specification, unit, market and publication period. Changes in the chart describe the recorded series; they do not measure every transaction in the wider market. A local purchase may include freight, processing, taxes or dealer margins. Differences in quality or delivery conditions can therefore produce a different final cost even when the reference price is unchanged.
The latest dated observation is the reference available on this page. Trading holidays or publication delays can leave the displayed date earlier than today; this is not a live tick feed.
Further reading: World Steel Association — raw materials ↗
Frequently asked questions about Stainless steel 304
What is Stainless steel 304 price today?
The latest available value is 13,210.00 CNY/t, for 10/16/2026. It represents Futures settlement. Check the displayed period and market before treating it as a quotation for a purchase today. The latest dated observation is the reference available on this page. Trading holidays or publication delays can leave the displayed date earlier than today; this is not a live tick feed.
What affects Stainless steel 304 prices?
Nickel, chromium-bearing inputs, scrap and energy costs influence stainless-steel production. Manufacturing orders and mill output affect demand and availability. Grade, surface finish and thickness help explain differences between generic plate references and a specified grade-304 quotation.
What is Stainless steel 304 used for in everyday life and industry?
Food-processing equipment, kitchen products, building fittings and industrial machinery use stainless steel. Buyers select grades for corrosion performance and fabrication needs. Plate, coil and finished household products are different commercial forms with additional processing costs.
Why can local Stainless steel 304 prices differ from this chart?
Local offers may include delivery, processing, taxes and commercial margins. Differences in quality, product form, market and contract timing can also change the price. Compare the same specification and unit before drawing conclusions.
Where can I compare historical Stainless steel 304 prices?
Use the price chart and dated history table on this page, or download the CSV. Choose a period and keep the market, product and units consistent. Missing publication dates are not filled with invented observations.