SUS904L Stainless Steel Sheet Price Per kg (Latest 2026)
May 07, 2026
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In the stainless steel market, SUS904L stainless steel remains a crucial investment for any chemical or pharmaceutical project. However, why does its price fluctuate so dramatically among different suppliers?
In 2026, the unit price of SUS904L stainless steel plates closely follows the market trends of nickel and molybdenum raw materials. Prices are driven by specifications (thickness and surface finish), order volume, production capacity, and global supply-demand conditions. The price range is approximately USD 7.5–10.5/kg, showing an overall trend of high-level fluctuation supported by raw material costs.
SUS904L Stainless Steel Sheet Price per kg (Latest 2026)
As of early May 2026, global market prices for SUS904L (UNS N08904) stainless steel plates typically fluctuate between US$10 and US$20 per kilogram (approximately RMB 80 to RMB 150), depending on the plate's thickness, surface finish, and supplier. Prices for high-grade cold-rolled plates or those cut to specific industrial dimensions may exceed this range; furthermore, significant price variations may also arise in cases involving small-volume purchases or requirements to meet specific ASTM standards.
904L Stainless Steel Sheet Price per kg
Price Trends:
Prices peaked in January at $11.80/kg, primarily influenced by year-end inventory levels and demand.
In February, prices retreated to $8.90/kg, likely due to the Spring Festival holiday and market supply-demand adjustments.
From March to April, prices gradually rebounded, reaching $9.50/kg and $10.20/kg respectively, signaling a gradual recovery in market demand.
In May, prices edged down slightly to $9.80/kg, yet remained at a relatively high level.
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904L Stainless Steel Supply and Demand Situation: January–May 2026
904L Stainless Steel Supply and Demand Analysis
January: Supply 5,200 tons, Demand 5,000 tons, Surplus 200 tons
February: Supply 4,800 tons, Demand 4,500 tons, Surplus 300 tons (Affected by the Lunar New Year holiday)
March: Supply 5,500 tons, Demand 5,300 tons, Surplus 200 tons
April: Supply 5,800 tons, Demand 5,600 tons, Surplus 200 tons
May: Supply 5,700 tons, Demand 5,650 tons, Surplus 50 tons (Supply and demand gradually approaching equilibrium)
904L Stainless Steel Plate Price Factors Analysis:
Raw material cost:
904L contains approximately 25% nickel and 4.5% molybdenum. Fluctuations in international market prices of nickel and molybdenum directly affect production costs. Recently, international nickel prices have exceeded 22,000 USD/ton, and molybdenum prices have also continued to rise, driving up the price of 904L stainless steel.
Production process:
904L Stainless Steel can be divided into hot-rolled plates and cold-rolled plates. Cold-rolled plates have a finer surface, higher dimensional accuracy, and better flatness, so their price is usually higher than hot-rolled plates.In addition, if the product undergoes solution treatment, pickling and passivation, ultrasonic testing, or special heat treatment, the overall manufacturing cost will also increase.
Surface finishing process：
The price of 904L stainless steel plates varies significantly depending on surface condition.Common surface finishes include: 2B, BA, No.1, HL brushed finish, and 8K mirror finish. Among them: mirror-finished plates, precision brushed plates, and high-cleanliness surfaces require more polishing and finishing processes, resulting in higher costs. Higher surface quality requirements also increase production costs.
Plate specifications and dimensions：
Different specifications directly determine material consumption and processing difficulty. Factors affecting price include:
thin plates (0.5mm–3mm), medium-thick plates (4mm–20mm), extra-thick plates (above 20mm). Thicker plates are more difficult to produce and require higher rolling costs, so their prices are usually higher.
Why is 904L so much more expensive than 316L?
904L stainless steel is 2–3 times more expensive than 316L because it is a high-alloy super-austenitic steel containing significantly higher amounts of costly nickel (23–28% vs. 10–14%), molybdenum (4–5% vs. 2–3%), and added copper. These components provide superior corrosion resistance and require specialized production techniques, making it more challenging to machine and polish.
What is the typical thickness tolerance for 904L plates?
The thickness tolerance for 904L stainless steel plates typically adheres to the ASTM A240/A480 standard; for plates with a thickness not exceeding 10 inches, this standard generally permits a deviation of +0.010 inches [0.25 mm] from the specified value. For thinner 904L plates and sheets, the thickness tolerance typically ranges between +0.002 and +0.004 inches (0.05 to 0.10 mm), with the specific range depending on the width of the material.
SUS 904L Stainless Steel Plate: Expert Procurement Recommendations
As industry experts, we recommend buyers to focus on the following three key points in 2026 to optimize procurement efficiency:
1: Focus on "Performance" Rather Than Unit Price
904L Stainless Steel contains very high levels of nickel and molybdenum, making its unit price significantly higher than 316L. When purchasing, attention should be given to the PREN value (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number).
GNEE's 904L products typically achieve a PREN value ≥ 35, ensuring excellent performance in acidic and chloride-containing environments, thereby extending service life and reducing long-term equipment maintenance costs.
2: Use "Fixed-Length Processing" to Reduce Waste
For high-value 904L materials, offcuts represent direct cost loss. GNEE recommends utilizing precision cutting services. By providing accurate component dimensions, we can optimize sheet layout through nesting systems, maximizing material utilization and helping customers save approximately 5%–10% in material costs.
3: Monitor LME Nickel/Molybdenum Price Trends
In 2026, metal markets are expected to remain highly volatile due to the energy transition. We recommend that customers take advantage of price correction periods to implement "phased procurement" through GNEE, or sign annual supply agreements to lock in base prices, with GNEE responsible for scheduled batch deliveries.
GNEE maintains a year-round stock of over 1,000 tons of super-austenitic stainless steel (904L, 254SMO, AL-6XN). We are equipped with advanced machinery for laser cutting, slitting, wire drawing, and mirror polishing. Whether you require standard plates or custom-cut parts in specific shapes, GNEE can handle the entire process in-house,providing a one-stop solution that helps reduce your secondary processing costs.
| Product Form | Thickness | Width | Length / Coil Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Rolled Thin & Medium Plate (2B/BA) | 0.3mm – 6.0mm | 1000 / 1219 / 1500mm | 2000 / 2438 / 3000 / 6000mm |
| Hot Rolled Medium & Heavy Plate (No.1) | 3.0mm – 100mm | 1500 / 1800 / 2000 / 2500mm | 6000mm / 12000mm (or custom cut length) |
| Stainless Steel Coil | 0.3mm – 16mm | 1000 – 2000mm | Slit and recoiled according to customer requirements |
| Precision Strip | 0.05mm – 2.0mm | 10mm – 600mm | High-precision tolerance control |
Every batch of SUS904L is accompanied by an original Manufacturer Test Certificate (MTC). We fully support and welcome third-party inspections (such as SGS, BV, TUV, etc.).
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