Transaction prices for grade-304 cold-rolled (CR) stainless sheet in Europe have increased this week for the first time since mid-2018.
The increase is largely the result of firmer nickel costs, which themselves began rising at the start of 2019 after decreasing throughout the second half of 2018. Distributors said that, looking at recent costs, it was clear that alloy surcharges for stainless steels will increase in March. These surcharges have largely become symbolic...