1、Supply and demand patterns and price trends
l The supply side is under great pressure：In March 2025, domestic stainless steel crude steel production reached 3.5026 million tons, setting a new record for the same period in history. Coupled with a 17.38% year-on-year increase in inventory in the Foshan market, the problem of oversupply was prominent.
l The recovery of demand is slowThe resumption of work in the downstream infrastructure and real estate sectors has been relatively slow. The terminal market mainly relies on essential purchases, and transactions mostly depend on low-priced individual orders. The market is filled with a strong wait-and-see sentiment.
l Cost support is inverted to profitThe prices of raw materials such as ferronickel and ferrochromium remain at a high level.The production cost of 304 cold-rolled steel is approximately 13,080 yuan per ton, but the market transaction price is only 12,750 to 13,050 yuan per ton, and the profit of the industrial chain continues to be inverted。
2、Export restrictions and trade frictions
l The United States has imposed additional taxes on imported steelThe 25% tariff has led to a decline in the export volume of Southeast Asian re-export channels (such as Vietnam and India) due to the obstruction of anti-dumping duty policies.
l Foshan, as a national stainless steel export base (accounting for the national export volume)When the proportion exceeds 40%, enterprises need to deal with trade barriers from multiple countries, and the difficulty of exports has significantly increased.
Ii. Main Difficulties and Coping Strategies for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
1、Analysis of Difficulties
l Price wars and low profitsThe low industry threshold leads to cut-throat competition, and the profit of color plates is lowThe price of 20 yuan per piece has dropped to 2-4 yuan per piece, and some enterprises are operating at a loss.
l Technological homogenizationMost enterprises rely on low-end products and lack differentiated competitiveness, making it difficult for them to meet the demands of the high-end market.
l Compliance riskRe-export trade relies on certificates of origin from third countries (such as Malaysia)The CO certificate is vulnerable to review by the target country.
2、Solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises
l Joint procurement reduces costs：Small and medium-sized enterprises can reduce raw material costs through joint procurement; Strengthen cooperation with suppliers and stabilize the purchase prices of raw materials.
l Strengthen brand building：Establish a good brand image and enhance market competitiveness by improving product quality, optimizing after-sales service, and strengthening brand promotion。
l Digital transformationUtilize Internet platforms and social media for online promotion, expand online sales channels, and achieve the integration of online and offline
l Market diversification：Reduce reliance on the European and American markets, explore emerging markets such as South America and Africa, and expand channels through cross-border e-commerce platforms，Increase the consumer group。
l Technological innovation and research and development：Increase investment in research and development, develop new products to meet market demands, and at the same time improve production efficiency and product quality
l Policy utilizationRelying on FoshanThe "Digital Transformation and Intelligent Transition" policy, applying for technological transformation subsidies, and participating in "challenge and response" project to solve common technical problems.
Iii. Customer Channel Expansion and Layout Strategies
1. Diversified channels
l "Online"Offline integration": ThroughB2B platforms (such as VOOEC) and independent websites showcase products, and combine offline exhibitions (such as the Canton Fair) to enhance brand exposure.
l Industrial chain collaborationEstablish long-term cooperation with downstream decoration engineering and elevator manufacturing enterprises, and provide customized services (such as elevator color plates, cabinet color plates).
2. Regional layout optimization
l Deeply cultivate local clustersTake advantage of the agglomeration of the stainless steel industry chain in Foshan (such as the logistics center in Chencun Town) to reduce logistics and procurement costs.
l Layout overseas production capacitySet up factories in Southeast Asia (such as Vietnam) to circumvent tariff barriers, or cooperate with local enterprises to establish distribution networks.
3. Brand and Service System
l Strengthen brand positioningHighlighting features such as environmental friendliness and corrosion resistance, it is craftedDifferentiated labels such as "Cultural stainless steel" attract high-end customers.
l Improve after-sales guaranteeEstablish a rapid response mechanism, provide quality traceability services, and make up for the shortcomings of pure traders in the after-sales link.
Iv. Future Layout Direction
l High-end transformationExtend into the field of deep processing and develop high-tech products such as composite coils and ultra-thin precision foils.
l Intelligent and green production"IntroductionAI quality inspection and low-carbon smelting technology respond to the demands of the "dual carbon" policy and enhance ESG competitiveness.
l The combination of policy and capitalBy leveraging the support of the Foshan Science and Technology Innovation Fund and government guidance funds, accelerate technological research and development as well as market expansion.
Summary
In 2025, the market for custom color stainless steel plates in Foshan will face challenges such as oversupply, blocked exports and compressed profits. However, through technological innovation, market diversification and policy coordination, small and medium-sized enterprises can still break through. The layout should focus on high value-added products, intelligent production and global channels, while relying on the advantages of local industrial clusters to build long-term competitiveness.
