China's steel billet exports performed strongly in Q1 2026, showing a continuous growth trend. According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China's steel billet exports in March 2026 reached 1.53 million mt, up 66.0% MoM and up 47.9% YoY, hitting a record high for a single month in the same period in recent years.

On April 23, 2026, Chinese Taiwan’s stainless steel wire rod exports surged 66% MoM to 10,230 tons, hitting a 15-month high. In India, a top producer launched a retail pilot for stainless steel rebars targeting infrastructure. Prices remain stable but firm; Indonesian 304 CRC FOB held at $2,112.5/mt, supported by tight nickel ore supply under the new HPM formula. While Asian buyers remain cautious, European mills are pushing for HRC price hikes of EUR 50-70/mt to offset rising procurement expenses, signaling a robust cost-driven floor for global stainless steel prices.

A leading Indian stainless steel producer has launched a pilot program in Punjab, marking its first entry into the stainless steel rebar retail segment. The initiative aims to provide high-performance construction solutions directly to end-users. These rebars feature superior corrosion resistance, high strength, and durability, making them ideal for critical infrastructure such as coastal developments, metro projects, and premium real estate.

【SMM Stainless Steel Flash】Jindal Stainless has partnered with Delhi-NCR based Whiteland Corporation to supply 410L stainless steel rebars (branded Jindal Infinity) for the Westin Residences Gurugram project, marking one of the first integrations of stainless rebars in branded residences in India. The rebars offer superior load-bearing, corrosion resistance, and seismic resilience, with a lifespan over twice that of conventional steel, reducing lifecycle costs. The 20-acre project will deliver around 1,700 high-rise homes under Westin’s hospitality-led design ethos. Jindal stressed the partnership is “about redefining how homes are built,” highlighting both durability and sustainability, while contributing to its 2050 net-zero ambitions.

Australia’s Anti-Dumping Commission has postponed the deadline for releasing its Statement of Essential Facts (SEF) and final recommendation regarding the anti-dumping measures on steel reinforcing bar imports from China’s Baowu Group Echeng Iron & Steel Co Ltd. The commission, which initiated the review on 26 May 2025, now expects to submit its final report to the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science by 16 February 2026. The SEF will be published no later than 10 December 2025. The review assesses whether existing anti-dumping duties should be modified or maintained. The products under review include hot-rolled deformed steel rebar with diameters ≤50mm, classified under multiple HS codes including 7213.10.00.42 and 7228.30.10.70.