304L 316L stainless steel pipe prices

The core price difference between 304L and 316L stainless steel pipe lies in the molybdenum nickel content, with 316L pipe having a 25% -40% premium over 304L pipe due to its molybdenum content (2-3%). The fluctuation of nickel prices (±20% per year) and the complexity of cold rolling processes dominate costs. Electrolytic polished tubes are 15% more expensive than ordinary tubes, and models with salt spray testing ≥ 2000 hours require a 10% markup.

The price of seamless pipes is 30% higher than that of welded pipes due to the high energy consumption and low yield rate (≤75%) of hot extrusion. The tightening of environmental policies has led to an increase in the cost of acid washing alternative processes (such as hydrogen annealing), and the ton price of 316L thick walled pipes (≥ 6mm) has exceeded 38000 yuan.

Downstream demand for new energy and semiconductors has surged, with 316L tube futures prices rising by 12% this year. Procurement needs to lock in LME nickel price index, and top suppliers are promoting intelligent warehousing+JIT mode to shorten delivery time to 7 days and avoid inventory premium risk.