Ss 316 Sheet Price Per kg (latest 2026)
Apr 15, 2026
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If you are sourcing stainless steel, understanding the price per kilogram of 316 stainless steel sheet in 2026 is crucial for budgeting, supplier comparison, and cost control. The price (per kilogram) of 316/316L stainless steel sheet fluctuates significantly and is updated daily with changes in raw material costs, primarily influenced by soaring molybdenum prices (up approximately 40% year-to-date) and higher nickel prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME). Prices are adjusted weekly based on alloy costs, mill surcharges, and order volume.
What is the price per kg for SS 316 sheet?
As of April 15, 2026, the price per kg for SS 316 sheet (316/316L, FOB China main port, tax-included) is $4.09–4.22/kg for cold-rolled (0.3–3.0mm, 2B finish) and $3.96–3.99/kg for hot-rolled (3.0–50mm, No.1 finish). Prices are updated daily with raw material costs; the latest increase is driven by Indonesia's new nickel ore benchmark price (HPM) effective today, which lifts smelting costs and supports market levels.
What factors affect the price of 316 stainless steel sheets?
1. Raw Material Costs:
316 stainless steel contains 10-14% nickel. Fluctuations in nickel prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) directly determine the base price. Molybdenum prices are very expensive and volatile; when molybdenum prices rise, the premium for 316 is significantly higher than for 304.
2. Production Process and Specifications:
316 cold-rolled sheets have a smoother surface, more precise dimensions, and are typically thinner (0.3mm - 3.0mm). Their unit price (per kg) is usually higher than that of thicker hot-rolled sheets.
316 hot-rolled sheets have a rougher surface, are typically thicker (over 3.0mm), require fewer processing steps, and have a relatively lower base price.
3. Sheet Sizes and Tolerances:
Standard sizes (e.g., 1219x2438mm) have the most stable prices. Custom-made widths or extra-long sheets incur waste costs, which are usually higher.
4. Market Supply and Demand Dynamics:
Prices remain relatively stable when large suppliers like GNEE have ample inventory; spot prices surge when the entire industry experiences shortages. Peak demand seasons in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and marine engineering industries (typically the second and fourth quarters) drive up prices.
304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Plate Prices (Aug 2025 -Apr 2026)
As of April 15, 2026 (FOB China main ports, USD/kg, tax-included), 304 stainless steel sheet is priced at $2.11–2.18/kg (cold-rolled 2B, 0.3–3.0mm) and $2.00–2.05/kg (hot-rolled No.1, 3.0–50mm), while 316/316L stainless steel sheet stands at $4.09–4.22/kg (cold-rolled 2B) and $3.96–3.99/kg (hot-rolled No.1)-316L costs nearly 90–105% more than 304 due to 2–3% molybdenum content, with today's 304 prices rising $0.03/kg following Indonesia's nickel ore benchmark (HPM) increase, and 316L premiums widening on sustained high molybdenum costs.
Why is 316 more expensive than 304?
Grade 316 stainless steel is generally 30% to 40% more expensive than 304 due to the addition of molybdenum (typically 2-3%), a costly alloying element that significantly boosts corrosion resistance, particularly against salt and chlorides. Furthermore, 316 often contains higher nickel content, requires more complex manufacturing processes, and is used in more demanding applications, increasing its overall demand and production costs.
GNEE Advice for Buyers
Due to the fact that stainless steel prices fluctuate daily with the LME nickel price, it is recommended that for large project inquiries, the quotation validity period is typically limited to 3–7 days.
If you need the latest SS 316 sheet price per kg today, please provide the following information so we can calculate a real-time and competitive quote:
Thickness and dimensions
Surface finish requirements
Estimated total purchase quantity
Destination country (for calculating duties and freight costs)
Click to get the latest prices for 316 stainless steel sheets
GNEE can customize stainless steel sheets, whether extra-thick, extra-wide, or requiring special tolerances; we have established supply channels.
We supply a full range of 316 series products, covering everything from ultra-thin foils to extra-thick industrial plates.
| Feature | Specifications & Range |
|---|---|
| Material Grades | AISI 316, 316L (Low Carbon), 316Ti (Titanium Stabilized), 316H (High Carbon) |
| Cold Rolled Sheets | Thickness: 0.3 mm – 6.0 mm Width: 1000 mm, 1219 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm |
| Hot Rolled Plates | Thickness: 3.0 mm – 120 mm Width: 1500 mm, 1800 mm, 2000 mm, 2500 mm |
| Supply Condition | Annealed & Pickled |
| Standards | ASTM A240, ASME SA240, EN 10088-2, JIS G4304 |
316 Stainless Steel Cold Rolled Sheet
SS 316 Cold Rolled Sheet Thickness (Gauge to mm/inch)
Cold rolled sheets are generally used for applications requiring a smooth finish and precise dimensions (0.3mm to 6.0mm).
| Gauge (GA) | Thickness (Decimal Inch) | Thickness (Millimeters - mm) | Standard Tolerance (Approx. ±) |
| 26 GA | 0.018" | 0.45 mm | 0.05 mm |
| 24 GA | 0.024" | 0.61 mm | 0.05 mm |
| 22 GA | 0.030" | 0.76 mm | 0.06 mm |
| 20 GA | 0.036" | 0.91 mm | 0.08 mm |
| 18 GA | 0.048" | 1.21 mm | 0.10 mm |
| 16 GA | 0.060" | 1.52 mm | 0.12 mm |
| 14 GA | 0.075" | 1.90 mm | 0.15 mm |
| 12 GA | 0.105" | 2.66 mm | 0.18 mm |
| 11 GA | 0.120" | 3.04 mm | 0.20 mm |
| 10 GA | 0.135" | 3.42 mm | 0.22 mm |
| 7 GA | 0.187" | 4.76 mm | 0.25 mm |
SS 316 Hot Rolled Plate Thickness (Metric & Imperial)
Hot rolled plates (No. 1 finish) are used for heavy-duty industrial applications such as chemical tanks and pressure vessels.
| Metric Thickness (mm) | Imperial Equivalent (inch) | Weight per Square Meter ( kg/m ²) | Typical Application |
| 3.0 mm | 0.118" (11 GA) | 24.0 kg | Ducting, Liners |
| 4.0 mm | 0.157" | 32.0 kg | Storage Tanks |
| 5.0 mm | 0.197" | 40.0 kg | Structural Supports |
| 6.0 mm | 0.236" (1/4") | 48.0 kg | Pressure Vessel Shells |
| 8.0 mm | 0.315" (5/16") | 64.0 kg | Marine Components |
| 10.0 mm | 0.393" (3/8") | 80.0 kg | Chemical Processing |
| 12.0 mm | 0.472" | 96.0 kg | Heavy Flanges |
| 16.0 mm | 0.630" (5/8") | 128.0 kg | Offshore Platforms |
| 20.0 mm | 0.787" (3/4") | 160.0 kg | High-Pressure Tanks |
| 25.0 mm | 1.000" (1") | 200.0 kg | Heavy Machinery Bases |
| 50.0 mm+ | 2.000"+ | 400.0 kg+ | Specialized Engineering |
PMI Testing (Material Identification): On-site spectral analysis to ensure molybdenum (Mo) content meets standards (2.0% - 3.0%).
Dimensional Inspection: Rigorous checks on thickness tolerance, flatness, and diagonal accuracy.
Mechanical Property Testing: Tensile testing, hardness testing, and impact resistance testing.
Certification Support: Providing a complete MTC (Material Certificate) in accordance with EN 10204 3.1, and supporting third-party testing (SGS/BV).
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