We project that the average market price for ASTM 304 stainless steel pipe in 2025 will range from USD 1,800–2,300 per metric ton, depending on region, dimensions, and processing method. Luokaiwei offers highly competitive 100% factory-direct pricing—with typical FOB rates in China starting at USD 1,831 / t—plus rapid delivery from stock and full customization support to meet diverse project needs.
1. Understanding ASTM 304 Stainless Steel Pipe Standard
ASTM A312 is the governing specification for seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel pipe. Within this, Grade 304 is the most ubiquitous, prized for its corrosion resistance and formability. We adhere to the latest revision (ASTM A312/A312M-25) which specifies:
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Chemical limits (e.g., 18–20 % Cr, 8–10.5 % Ni)
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Mechanical requirements (minimum tensile strength 515 MPa, yield 205 MPa)
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Permissible wall-thickness tolerances and hydrostatic test criteria
Our in-house quality team verifies every lot against these criteria, ensuring compliance with both ASTM A312 and secondary standards like EN 10217.
2. Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties
| Element | Typical % | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium | 18.0–20.0 | Corrosion resistance |
| Nickel | 8.0–10.5 | Austenite stabilization |
| Carbon | ≤ 0.08 | Strength and weldability |
| Manganese | ≤ 2.00 | Deoxidizer, hardness control |
| Silicon | ≤ 0.75 | Oxidation resistance |
Mechanically, 304 pipe exhibits:
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Tensile strength: ≥ 515 MPa
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Yield strength: ≥ 205 MPa
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Elongation: ≥ 40 %
These properties make it ideal for process piping, water treatment, food & beverage, and architectural applications.
3. Manufacturing Processes: Seamless vs. Welded
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Seamless Pipe (ASTM A312 TP 304 SML):
Drawn from a solid billet; superior uniformity in wall thickness and surface quality. Preferred for high-pressure or critical service. -
Welded Pipe (ASTM A312 TP 304 ERW/SMLS):
Formed from strip and fused. More economical for large diameters and non‐critical applications. Our ERW line uses precision profiling and full‐penetration welding to match seamless performance.
Regardless of process, we conduct eddy-current flaw detection, hydrostatic testing, and PMI (Positive Material Identification).
4. 2025 Market Overview
Global stainless steel production surpassed 60 million metric tons in 2024, with 304 grade accounting for roughly one-third. Demand drivers include:
Infrastructure investments in North America and the Middle East
OEM requirements in automotive and aerospace
Retrofit projects in food-processing and pharmaceuticals
However, raw material costs (nickel & chromium) remain volatile, influenced by:
Nickel inventories in the London Metal Exchange
Chromium supply from South Africa
Currency fluctuations, particularly USD vs. CNY
We continuously hedge key inputs to stabilize our factory-gate pricing.
5. Key Factors Influencing Price
Raw Material Markets: Nickel price changes can shift pipe cost by USD 200–300/t.
Processing Complexity: Seamless pipe commands a premium of 10–15 % over welded equivalents.
Volume & Specification: Large-volume orders and standard sizes (½″–6″) benefit from scale discounts.
Logistics & Freight: Ocean freight rate variations (e.g., Shanghai–Rotterdam) can add USD 50–100/t.
Tariffs & Trade Policies: Import duties (e.g., India’s 8.5 % tariff) directly affect landed cost.
6. Global Price Comparison (May 2025)
| Region | Price (USD/ton) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| China | 1,831 / t | 304 CRC base-material price; translated at 1 USD = 7.1836 CNY |
| USA | 2,200 / t | Domestic coil + processing premium |
| Europe | 2,300 / t | CIF Rotterdam, includes duties & handling |
| India | 2,015 / t | Local CRC + 8.5 % tariff formula |
| Middle East | 2,100 / t | FOB Gulf ports, driven by import parity |
7. Why Choose Luokaiwei: Our Advantages
Factory-Direct Pricing: Eliminate middlemen to secure the lowest possible FOB rates.
Fast Stock Delivery: Bulk stock of common diameters; 3–5 day dispatch within China.
Full Customization: Wall thickness, surface finish (pickled, polished), special alloys.
Stringent QA/QC: 100 % PMI, hydro, ultrasonic and third-party inspections on request.
Global Support: Dedicated export team, reliable freight forwarders, and comprehensive after-sales service.
We invite you to request samples or inspect our Wuxi facility—confirm our capacity first-hand.
8. Major Applications
Chemical Processing: High corrosion resistance against acids and alkalis.
Food & Beverage: Sanitary finish and ease of cleaning.
Petrochemical: High‐pressure service conditions.
Construction & Architecture: Decorative balustrades, HVAC ducting.
Water Treatment: Desalination plants and desal pipework.
Our pipes meet FDA, 3A sanitary, and SGS hygiene certifications for critical sectors.
9. Quality Assurance and Certifications
ISO 9001: Certified quality management system.
PED (Module B+D): European Pressure Equipment Directive approval.
NB/T 47013: Chinese boiler and pressure vessel certification.
3A Sanitary Standards: For food-grade piping.
Third-Party Inspections: TPI by SGS, BV, or Lloyd’s upon client request.
Documentation—including MTRs (Material Test Reports), PMI certificates, and packing lists—is provided with every shipment.
10. Customization & Delivery Options
Surface Finish: Mill, pickled, 2B, BA, or custom satin polish.
End Connections: Plain end, beveled, threaded, or grooved.
Cutting & Fabrication: Precision cut lengths, bending, and welding services.
Packaging: Wooden crates, bulk packs, or as per project spec.
Logistics: FOB, CIF, DDP options—all managed by our in-house logistics department.
We optimize packing density to reduce freight costs and minimize handling damage.
11. Environmental & Sustainability Considerations
We prioritize eco-responsible practices:
Recycled Content: Minimum 60 % post-consumer scrap in our melt.
Energy Efficiency: Electric arc furnaces powered partially by renewable sources.
Waste Minimization: Zero-landfill policy for scale and slag.
Supply Chain Auditing: Vendor audits to ensure ethical sourcing.
Partnering with Luokaiwei supports your ESG goals while securing high-quality stainless solutions.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
What differentiates seamless and welded 304 pipes?
Seamless pipes offer uniform mechanical properties and are ideal for high‐pressure service; welded pipes are more cost-effective for larger diameters.
Can Luokaiwei supply custom diameters and wall thicknesses?
Yes. We routinely produce pipes from DN 6 mm up to DN 762 mm with wall thicknesses from 0.5 mm to 40 mm.
How quickly can I receive sample tubes?
Standard samples (cut lengths ≤ 300 mm) can be dispatched within 48 hours from our stockyard in Wuxi, China.
Do you offer third-party inspection?
Absolutely. We facilitate SGS, Bureau Veritas, and Lloyd’s inspections at our works or port before shipment.
What payment and shipping terms are available?
We accept T/T, L/C at sight, and DP. Shipping terms include FOB Shanghai, CIF, or DDP to your warehouse.
13. Official References