304 Vs 316L Stainless Steel Bar Price Trends in 2026
Apr 21, 2026
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The global stainless steel market is entering a phase of high risk and high volatility. From late 2025 to early 2026, the price difference between AISI 304 and 316L stainless steel bars is expected to fluctuate between 35% and 52%, primarily due to a 15% increase in molybdenum (Mo) spot prices and nickel (Ni) prices remaining stable at approximately US$16,500-18,500 per ton. For buyers with a focus on 2026, it is recommended that clients with purchasing plans lock in prices and place orders as early as possible to mitigate the risk of subsequent price increases.
Stainless Steel 304/316L Bar Price Increase Analysis (2026 Update)
Based on three rounds of quotations dated March 31, April 9, and April 15, 304 and 316L stainless steel bars have shown a continuous, across-the-board upward trend across all specifications:
304 stainless steel bars: Cumulative increase of USD 42–69 / MT
316L stainless steel bars: Cumulative increase of USD 42–97 / MT
321 stainless steel round bars: Cumulative increase of USD 42–56 / MT
This rally is driven by the combined effects of strong nickel prices, continuous gains in stainless steel futures, and a gradual recovery in downstream demand from industries such as machinery, chemical processing, and food equipment manufacturing. Market sentiment remains bullish, leaving room for further upward price movement in the short term.
2026 Latest Price Trends for 304/316L Stainless Steel Bars
304 vs 316L Stainless Steel Bar Price Trends in 2026
| Material Grade | Size Range (mm) | April 2026 Price (USD/MT) | Change | May 2026 Price (USD/MT) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S30400 | 21–45 | 1958 | - | 1972 | - |
| 65/75/90/105/125/130 | 1903 | - | 1917 | - | |
| 70/80/100/110/120 | 1903 | - | 1917 | - | |
| 85/95/115 | 1903 | - | 1917 | - | |
| 150 | 1903 | - | 1917 | - | |
| 160/180/200/240/250 | 1861 | - | 1875 | - | |
| 300/350 | 1875 | - | 1889 | - | |
| 300/350 (Piercing Grade) | 1917 | - | 1931 | - | |
| 400/450/500/600 | 1917 | - | 1931 | - | |
| 400/450/500/600 (Piercing Grade) | 1958 | - | 1972 | - | |
| 304A | 65–130 | 1889 | - | 1903 | - |
| 316L | 21–45 | 3694 | - | 3708 | - |
| 65/75/90/105/125/130 | 3625 | - | 3639 | - | |
| 70/80/100/110/120 | 3653 | - | 3667 | - | |
| 85/95/115 | 3667 | - | 3681 | - | |
| 150 | 3660 | - | 3674 | - | |
| 160/180/200/240/250 | 3597 | - | 3611 | - | |
| 300/350 | 3611 | - | 3625 | - | |
| 300/350 (Piercing Grade) | 3653 | - | 3667 | - | |
| 400/450/500/600 | 3639 | - | 3653 | - | |
| 400/450/500/600 (Piercing Grade) | 3681 | - | 3694 | - |
The above are GNEE's ex-factory reference prices. Market conditions fluctuate significantly; actual orders may enjoy approved discounts. The final price is subject to confirmation upon contact. Additional pricing rules apply to 304A, 304L, and 321/316L series raw tubes; please contact us for detailed explanations.
Recently, prices have been rising continuously. Customers with purchasing plans are advised to lock in prices and place orders in advance to avoid the risk of subsequent price increases. In addition to the standard specifications listed in the table, we can accept customized specifications and orders for special materials (such as 304L, 310S, etc.). Inquiries are welcome.
Click to get the latest prices for 304 and 316 stainless steel
GNEE offers customized protection for 304/316 stainless steel bars: H8/H9 grade precision ground bars are packaged in single-layer PVC tubing + bubble wrap + IPPC-compliant fumigated wooden crates, ensuring zero surface scratches and salt spray resistance during long-distance sea transport; hot-rolled large-diameter bars are bundled with steel straps weighing up to 3 tons and equipped with double-layer nylon slings for easy loading and unloading. All packaging includes traceable furnace number tags, achieving zero-loss, high-precision delivery from the factory to the construction site.
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