Walsin Lihwa Raises Select Wire Rod Prices Amid Higher Scrap Costs

Walsin Lihwa, a Taiwanese stainless steel producer, has announced its October prices for various grades of wire rod. The company kept the base price for 304 wire rod unchanged, along with 200- and 400-series grades. However, it raised copper-bearing and free-cutting 304 wire rod by some amount, as well as molybdenum-bearing 316.

The increase in prices is attributed to the recent surge in local stainless scrap prices, which has resulted in higher production costs for Walsin Lihwa. The company also mentioned that the growing demand for AI infrastructure, particularly in the areas of liquid cooling and transmission components, has led to increased copper and molybdenum prices.

In a move to protect downstream export competitiveness, Walsin Lihwa chose not to raise its base price this month. Instead, it passed through costs only on alloy-specific grades. This strategy contrasts with that of other producers like Yusco and Tang Eng, which continued to increase flat-product prices despite the recent benchmark increase.

The industry is watching closely to see if local scrap prices continue to rise and whether the benchmark resumes its upward trend in November.