Taiwan’s leading carbon steel producer, China Steel Corporation (CSC), announced significant price increases for May, raising hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel products by NT$1,000 to 1,200 per ton.

Specifically, hot-rolled steel plates rose by NT$1,200 per ton. This sharp price adjustment causes anxiety among plate traders regarding upcoming Leeway, AP, and SN project pricing, as further hikes could hinder new sales and inventory turnover.

Current market rates of NT$25,500 already face resistance from downstream users, resulting in slower order placement and smaller, essential-only transactions.

As the industry enters a traditional slow season with reduced construction activity, traders worry that aggressive price updates might lead to a market tipping point rather than a synchronized uptrend, potentially compressing profit margins amid weakened demand.