Asian stainless cold-rolled coil prices rose in the week to April 2, amid higher offers and a modest improvement in demand.

In the early market on close, Platts assessed 304-grade 2-millimeter 2B stainless CRC at $2,260/metric ton CFR East and Southeast Asia on April 2, up $20/mt week over week.

Offers from Taiwanese mills rose to $2,280/mt CFR Hong Kong, up $30/mt from last reported offers two weeks ago.

Tradeable levels also rose $20/mt from two weeks ago to $2,260/mt CFR Hong Kong.

A Hong Kong-based trader attributed the rise primarily to higher production costs and a modest improvement in demand, saying that freight rates have not yet been affected.

“There’s very little room for negotiation due to the higher costs,” the trader said. “Demand has also improved slightly with more projects resuming after the Lunar New Year holidays, and we’re seeing more inquiries, so buying appetite is there.”

Chinese offers were heard at $2,150/mt FOB, unchanged on the week, with a China-based trader saying that demand remained lackluster.

Indonesian nickel pig iron prices fell in the week to April 1, largely due to buyers resisting high prices.

Platts assessed 10% Ni Indonesian NPI at $138/mtu FOB Indonesia April 1, down 20 cents/mtu week over week.

The LME nickel cash price rose $45/mt, or 0.26%, week over week to $17,065/mt on March 26.