Stainless Steel 304 Plate Price List

Stainless Steel 304 (also written as SS304 or AISI 304) is the most widely used grade of stainless steel in the world. It belongs to the austenitic family - a group of steels known for excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and easy welding. SS304 contains roughly 18% chromium and 8% nickel, which is why you may also hear it called 18/8 stainless steel.

In plain terms: it does not rust easily, it keeps its shiny appearance, and it performs reliably across a wide range of temperatures. These qualities make 304 stainless steel plates a first-choice material for industries ranging from food processing and pharmaceuticals to architecture, marine equipment, and petrochemical plants.

Before reviewing prices, it helps to understand what you are paying for. SS304 plates offer a unique combination of properties that justify their widespread adoption:

Corrosion Resistance - The chromium content forms an invisible passive oxide layer that shields the steel from moisture, acids, and many chemicals.

Hygiene & Food Safety - Non-porous surface resists bacterial growth; complies with FDA and EU food-contact regulations.

Weldability & Formability - Can be cut, bent, rolled, and welded without special pre-heat treatments, reducing fabrication costs.

Aesthetic Appeal - Available in No.1 (hot-rolled), 2B (cold-rolled), No.4 (brushed), and BA (mirror) finishes for architectural projects.

Temperature Performance - Suitable for continuous service up to 870 °C (1,600 °F) and cryogenic applications.

Recyclability - Over 90% of new stainless steel is made from recycled content, supporting sustainability targets.

These properties translate directly into lower total cost of ownership compared with carbon steel that requires painting or coating.

All prices are listed in USD per kilogram (USD/kg), EXW (Ex-Works) warehouse, and are indicative for standard mill-certified 304 / 304L plates. Prices may vary based on order quantity, surface finish, certification requirements, and market conditions at the time of order.

Stainless Steel 304 Plate Price List 2025

Table 1 - SS304 Hot-Rolled (HR) Plates

Thickness (mm)	Width (mm)	Length (mm)	Price Range (USD/kg)
3.0 – 4.0	1,000 – 1,500	2,000 – 6,000	$2.10 – $2.35
5.0 – 6.0	1,000 – 1,500	2,000 – 6,000	$2.05 – $2.28
8.0 – 10.0	1,000 – 2,000	2,000 – 6,000	$2.00 – $2.22
12.0 – 16.0	1,000 – 2,000	2,000 – 6,000	$1.95 – $2.18
20.0 – 25.0	1,000 – 2,000	2,000 – 6,000	$1.92 – $2.15
30.0 – 40.0	1,500 – 2,000	3,000 – 6,000	$1.90 – $2.12
50.0 – 80.0	1,500 – 2,000	3,000 – 6,000	$1.88 – $2.10

Table 2 - SS304 Cold-Rolled (CR) Plates & Sheets (2B Finish)

Thickness (mm)	Width (mm)	Length (mm)	Price Range (USD/kg)
0.5 – 0.8	1,000 – 1,250	2,000 – 2,500	$2.55 – $2.90
1.0 – 1.5	1,000 – 1,500	2,000 – 3,000	$2.40 – $2.75
2.0 – 3.0	1,000 – 1,500	2,000 – 3,000	$2.25 – $2.60
4.0 – 6.0	1,000 – 1,500	2,000 – 3,000	$2.18 – $2.50
8.0 – 10.0	1,000 – 1,500	2,000 – 3,000	$2.12 – $2.44

Table 3 - Surface Finish Premium Over 2B Base Price

Finish	Description	Add-On (USD/kg)
No.1 (HR Annealed)	Hot-rolled, annealed & pickled. Rough surface.	Base (−$0.10 to $0.00)
2B (CR)	Cold-rolled, bright, smooth. Industry standard.	Base price
No.4 (Brushed)	Unidirectional satin finish; widely used in catering.	+$0.18 – $0.30
BA (Mirror)	Bright annealed, reflective. Decorative applications.	+$0.35 – $0.60
No.8 (Super Mirror)	Highest polish; used in art & luxury architecture.	+$0.70 – $1.20

Note: 304L (low-carbon variant) typically carries a premium of USD $0.05 – $0.12/kg over standard 304, due to improved weldability for heavy-section applications.

Understanding the factors that influence stainless steel pricing helps you plan procurement more effectively and negotiate better contracts. The main cost drivers are:

Nickel (Ni) Surcharge - Nickel is the most volatile component of the alloy cost, traded on the London Metal Exchange (LME). A 10% rise in nickel spot prices can add roughly $0.15–$0.20/kg to finished plate costs.

Chromium & Ferrochrome (FeCr) - Chromium accounts for approximately 18% of the alloy. Surcharges are reset monthly by major mills.

Scrap & Melt Shop Energy - Stainless is primarily melted from scrap in Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF). Energy and scrap prices directly affect base cost.

Plate Dimensions & Tolerances - Non-standard widths, tight thickness tolerances, or custom cut-to-size orders carry additional processing fees.

Certifications & Testing - Third-party inspection (SGS, BV), PMI testing, NACE MR0175, or PED compliance add USD $0.03–$0.08/kg depending on scope.

Order Volume & Incoterms - Full-container loads (FCL) and consistent annual contracts attract better pricing. EXW prices exclude freight, insurance, and import duties.

The prices in this document are indicative reference values. To obtain a firm, mill-certified quotation from MetAlloys International, simply provide the following details:

Material grade required (304 / 304L / 304H)

Thickness, width, and length (or coil weight if applicable)

Surface finish (2B, No.4, BA, etc.) and edge condition (mill edge or slit edge)

Quantity in metric tons (MT) and required delivery schedule

Delivery port or destination address

Applicable standards (ASTM A240, EN 10028-7, JIS G4304, etc.) and any additional testing requirements

Our technical sales team typically responds within 24 business hours with a competitive offer and mill test certificate (MTC) preview.

MetAlloys International ships SS304 plates to customers across six continents. Our primary stocking hubs are located in:

North America - Houston TX, Chicago IL, Los Angeles CA, Toronto ON

Europe - Rotterdam (Netherlands), Hamburg (Germany), Antwerp (Belgium)

Middle East & Africa - Dubai (UAE), Jebel Ali Free Zone, Durban (South Africa)

Asia-Pacific - Singapore, Mumbai (India), Shanghai (China), Sydney (Australia)

South America - São Paulo (Brazil), Santiago (Chile)

Stock is available for immediate dispatch from all hubs. Lead times for non-stock items range from 4 to 10 weeks depending on mill origin and rolling schedule.

Q: What is the difference between SS304 and SS304L?

SS304L has a lower carbon content (max 0.03% vs 0.08% for 304), which reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion after welding. It is preferred for heavy-wall vessels and high-temperature weld joints. Pricing for 304L is typically 3–6% higher than standard 304.

Q: Can I order custom sizes?

Yes. We offer laser or plasma cut-to-size services with ±0.5 mm dimensional tolerance. Custom cutting is available for quantities as low as 50 kg, with a processing fee applied per cut.

Q: Are prices quoted per kg or per sheet?

All standard prices are quoted per kilogram (USD/kg). For cut-to-size orders, we can convert to per-piece pricing once dimensions and quantity are confirmed.

Q: What payment terms are available?

We accept T/T (Bank Transfer), Letter of Credit (L/C at sight or 30/60/90 days for approved buyers), and open account terms for long-term contract customers. Contact our accounts team for credit application details.