Aichi Steel to Raise Ni Series Stainless Shapes and Bars in September

Aichi Steel announced on Monday the firm raises the selling price of nickel series stainless steel shapes and round bars by 10-15% effective from July contracts and September shipments. The firm reflects recent material cost up mainly for nickel. Aichi Steel announced price hike for Ni series stainless products for the first time since April 2008.

The price hike covers Ni series stainless steel angles, channels, H-beams, flat bars, square bars and round bars.

Material prices have gradually rebounded since April 2009, when the demand bottomed out. Aichi Steel puts the material upsurge on the selling price. Demand for stainless shapes and bars is recovering step by step mainly from water treatment and energy business fields. Market inventory is currently at the moderate level.

Aichi Steel eyes additional hike if material price continues to increase.