Since December 2011/January 2012 stainless steel prices (sheets and tubes) have been increasing. Also for March, prices will raise further. Also for March, the alloy surcharge is higher than in February and January.
Stainless steel prices have been fluctuating always, and that makes it is important to follow the markets closely. But even then, it is very difficult to predict prices. Referring to the nickle prices, prices might become more stable during the next months. But, again, nobody knows...
Karine
28 February 2012