Yieh United Steel Corp. (Yusco), a leading stainless steel manufacturer in Taiwan, announced its fourth consecutive monthly price hike on February 25 to offset rising production expenses.

For March deliveries, the company increased prices for 304 series and surcharges of 316L products by NT$2,000 per ton, and 430 series prices rose by NT$1,000 per ton.

This decision is in line with an upgrade to Taiwan’s 2026 GDP forecast, now set at 7.71% due to the AI industry boom. Stainless steel usage is growing within AI infrastructure, driving steady demand.

Meanwhile, supply remains tight as Indonesia’s nickel ore mining restrictions trigger higher LME nickel and nickel pig iron prices, further increasing raw material expenses for global steelmakers.