How to Read a China Stainless Steel Quote: Wuxi Market Example from April 2026
Use this April 2026 Wuxi stainless steel quote as a historical example to understand EXW, FOB, quote validity, grade differences, thickness extras and final order confirmation.
In This Guide
Quick Answer
A China stainless steel quote should not be judged by EXW or FOB price alone. Buyers should also check grade, mill, edge condition, thickness extras, packing, port term, destination and quote validity. The table below is a historical reference from April 21, 2026, not a live offer today.
How to Compare EXW and FOB Quotes
Before comparing offers from different suppliers, make sure the quote terms are actually the same.
| Quote Item | What It Means | Buyer Check |
|---|---|---|
| EXW Price | Factory-side reference price | Check pickup, export and inland cost separately |
| FOB Price | Port-side export reference | Confirm named port and included charges |
| Quote Validity | How long the price is useful | Reconfirm before booking material |
| Grade | 304, 316, 201J2, 430 or other | Match the application and MTC requirement |
| Mill / Source | Production or stock source | Check whether the batch is available |
| Thickness Extra | Extra charge by thickness or size | Ask before comparing low prices |
| Packing | Export packing, bundle or pallet | Confirm if suitable for shipment and destination |
Wuxi Market Example from April 21, 2026
The following figures were prepared as an FX Stainless Steel daily market quote for shipment from Wuxi Port on April 21, 2026. They are kept here as a historical example to help buyers understand how stainless steel offers are structured.
| Product | Grade | Specification | Mill | EXW (USD/ton) | FOB (USD/ton) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Rolled Coil (2B) | 304 | 4ft mill edge | Delong | 2345.51 | 2467.25 |
| Cold Rolled Coil (2B) | 201J2 | 4ft mill edge | Hongwang | 1233.62 | 1355.36 |
| Cold Rolled Coil (2B) | 430 | 4ft trimmed edge | TISCO | 1225.51 | 1347.25 |
| Hot Rolled Coil | 304 | 5ft mill edge | Lisco / Delong | 2304.93 | 2426.67 |
| Hot Rolled Coil | 201J5 | 5ft mill edge | Beigang New Material | 1193.04 | 1314.78 |
| Medium Plate | 304 | 20*1500*6000 | Dongte | 2434.78 | 2556.52 |
| Medium Plate | 316 | 20*1500*6000 | Dongte | 4609.86 | 4731.59 |
What This Quote Teaches Buyers
The main lesson is simple: a quote is a decision document, not just a price list. 304 is often the mainstream stainless option. 201J2, 201J5 and 430 are lower-price routes for different use cases. 316 can be much higher because alloy cost and corrosion requirements are different.
A buyer should not compare one supplier's EXW number with another supplier's FOB number. The port term, packing scope and validity period can change the real buying cost.
When You Need a Live Price
For current purchasing, use this article only as a quote-reading example. Market prices can move with nickel, stainless futures, stock condition, mill policy, thickness extras and freight changes.
If your project is about stainless steel bars, see our stainless steel bar supply page and the 304 stainless steel bar price trend guide for a more relevant buying context.
CTA
For a live FX Stainless Steel quotation, send the grade, product form, dimensions, quantity, packing requirement and destination port. Our team can reconfirm EXW or FOB terms based on current stock and final order details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Is this Wuxi quote still valid today?
A. No. This article uses an April 21, 2026 Wuxi quote as a historical reference. Buyers should request a live quotation before placing any order.
Q. What is the difference between EXW and FOB stainless steel price?
A. EXW usually means the buyer handles more local pickup and export cost. FOB normally includes delivery to the named port and export-side handling, but final scope should be confirmed in the quotation.
Q. Why is 316 much more expensive than 304?
A. 316 contains molybdenum and is usually selected for stronger corrosion resistance. Raw material cost and market supply can make 316 much higher than standard 304.
Q. What should I confirm before accepting a stainless steel quote?
A. Confirm grade, mill, size, edge condition, thickness extras, quantity, packing, quote validity, port term and destination before treating a quote as workable.