Japan: Aichi Steel raises stainless steel section, round bar prices by up to 15% for Aug’26 contracts
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- Nickel-based products rise 5-7% for Aug’26 contracts
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- Molybdenum grades see steepest increase at around 15%
Aichi Steel has announced a price increase for its stainless steel section steel and round bar products effective from August 2026 contracts, citing sustained increases in raw material costs that have exceeded earlier expectations.
The company will raise prices for nickel-based stainless steel products by around 5-7%, molybdenum-based grades by approximately 15%, and chromium-based products by about 5%. The latest revision follows the additional price increases implemented from the March contracts this year.
According to the company, the decision reflects its periodic review of raw material prices and foreign exchange movements over the past three months. Elevated input costs have continued to pressure manufacturing economics, prompting the latest adjustment to support a stable product supply system.
On the demand side, consumption remains supported by resilient activity across semiconductor manufacturing, shipbuilding, infrastructure projects, and the expanding energy sector. These sectors are expected to sustain demand for stainless steel and key alloying materials, keeping raw material prices at elevated levels.
The company stated that it will continue reviewing raw material prices and exchange rate movements every three months. In addition, it will closely monitor other cost components, including electricity and gas, purchased materials, labour, transportation, and outsourcing expenses. Depending on how these costs evolve, the company indicated that further price revisions may be considered in future contract periods.
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