French stainless scrap prices increase

Stainless steel scrap prices in France are increasing slightly compared to September, in line with international price hikes amid see-sawing nickel values this month.

Mills are now paying €1,630-1,650/tonne ($1,893-1,916) ex-works for grade 304 to be delivered in October. Buyers pay €20-40/t for transport depending on point of delivery and departure, sources say.

Grade 316 is hovering at €2,330-2,350/t ex-works on average, market participants tell Kallanish. This grade has increased approximately €100/t on September levels due to short availability and increasing prices of raw materials.

Demand is considered to be at good levels in France as finished stainless flat and tube product prices are also hiking in line with the tight supply of coils in Europe.

Nickel prices for cash buyers were at $19.850/t on 16 September and reached $19,235/t on 13 October, Kallanish notes.

Natalia Capra France