Stainless Steel, Is It "Searching for Light in Hell"?

 

Stainless Steel's Struggle Amidst Changing Market Dynamics

Recently, the stainless steel market has been abuzz with discussions and speculations. Let's dive into the latest hot topics:

  • Qingshan's pan prices have dropped by 100! Agents continue to offer discounts. The competition is getting fierce!
  • As soon as the collection of scrap materials was halted, people started to speculate if this was a strategic retreat.

On July 18, 2024, in the Foshan market, a trending topic emerged: A vegetable market in Yantian, Shenzhen, offered free cooking services, causing panic among a group of restaurants!

🏃‍♂️ The competition is fierce! The rapid development of technology, like AI, is causing job displacement, and now even the food and beverage industry seems to be innovating. Milk tea has made its debut, aiming to be the "Light of Hell"; as for us in the stainless steel industry, we are now 'Searching for Light in Hell'...

After a long absence, the author's favorite jester commented on the situation today.

In July, the market lacked excitement, so stainless steel bosses have all started to travel, hoping to bring back a good mood and a good market trend. However, there is a group that is not worried about the market trend but is anxious about something else.

This group refers to the export sector.

📉 There has been a lot of talk about the tax rebate for zero-tax products, with the dividing line being the 20th. During the grace period, the tax rebate is about 2.2%. However, there is a rumor that after July 20th, the normal tax rate will be around 24%, but it is not clear whether this is true. The difference is quite significant. The tax rebate is to be implemented by the actual owner of the goods or the manufacturer, with customs brokers, shipping ports, and freight forwarders assisting in the completion.

Feedback from export merchants:

What I heard is that the 'two highs and one low' will be reviewed and supplemented, not just for stainless steel. It is said that according to the (value-added tax, income tax, and local tax) comprehensive preferential tax rate, a tax of 2.12% will be paid. Those who do not cooperate will bear the subsequent legal responsibilities.

Previously, foreign trade merchants reported:

Every order counts, and all must be supplemented. If there is a special reason for not being able to contact or refuse to supplement, the tax bureau will investigate from the business unit, customs broker, shipping port, freight forwarder, and owner, and if there is a clue interruption, it will be handed over to the economic investigation for handling until the supplement is completed.

Foreign trade merchants said:

It's hard to take orders, the industry is chaotic, so sometimes we hope it can be more standardized, at least the competition will not be so fierce. I feel that the people in our industry are very brave, they will be restrained on the tuyere, and after a while, they will still return to the original state. As for the tax supplement, I don't know if it's the whole industry to do it, or it depends on luck. The bullet has been flying for a while, and everyone should have a bottom in their hearts, just to see when this sword falls...

Regarding the rumors, export merchants said.

Overall, the group that has experienced its high moments is also slowly fading a bit.

BBA said it would collectively withdraw from the price war because the price war has hurt the foundation, and if it can't afford to lose, it won't play. The "shuffle tide" in the stainless steel industry is that those who can't hold on will run first.

In the current environment, which is not prosperous, with operating costs continuing to increase and profits becoming more difficult, people in the stainless steel industry have chosen to "hold on a little longer". As a result, everyone has become like a donkey in the Arabian region: the carrot hanging on the forehead is always there but always can't be eaten, but it gives it the motivation to move forward and the courage to persist.

Americ Energy (CHINA) Co., Ltd. stands as a prominent manufacturer and distributor of a comprehensive range of stainless steel products, designed to cater to the diverse needs of various industries. Their offerings encompass stainless steel tubes, plates, strips, and square tubes, all manufactured to uphold the highest quality benchmarks.

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