SS 202 stainless steel price: what decides the cost per kilogram
Why SS 202 costs less than 304, and the eight factors that move a quotation for 202 pipe, tube, sheet, coil and bar.
Buyers searching for an SS 202 price usually want a number. We do not publish one, because the cost of 202 changes with the market and with the specification, and a printed price goes out of date within days. What we can do is explain what moves the price, so you can ask for a quotation that is accurate the first time.
Why 202 costs less than 304
202 uses about 4 to 6 percent nickel against 8 to 10.5 percent in 304, replacing the difference with cheaper manganese and nitrogen. Because nickel is the most expensive and most volatile element in austenitic stainless steel, 202 is both cheaper and less exposed to nickel price swings.
The factors that set a quotation
- Product form: sheet, coil, pipe, tube and bar are priced differently
- Size: outside diameter, wall thickness or schedule, sheet thickness and width
- Seamless or welded: seamless costs more than welded
- Finish: 2B, BA, No. 4 or mirror polish for sheet; polished, pickled or bright annealed for tube
- Quantity: larger lots are priced better, and small lots carry cutting and handling cost
- Standard and testing: a mill test certificate is standard; third-party inspection to EN 10204 3.2 is extra
- Packing and Incoterm: FOB, CFR, CIF, EXW or DAP change the total landed cost
- Market conditions on the day: raw material and freight move
How to get an accurate SS 202 quotation
State the form, grade (SS 202), dimensions, quantity, finish, standard and destination port. With those seven items we can quote the same working day. Use the Request a Quote builder, or contact the sales desk on the phone, WhatsApp or email shown on this site.
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Specifying for a live project?
Send the service conditions and we will tell you what we would specify, and what we hold.