Stainless steel is divided into three categories: 200 series, 300 series, and 400 series, with significant differences in price, performance, and usage. In the context of high nickel prices and rising costs in 2026, choosing the right model is more crucial.

1、 Core Comparison of Three Major Departments (April 2026)

304 (300 series): chromium 18%+nickel 8%, strong corrosion resistance, good toughness, and wide application; Spot price ranges from 14800 to 14900 yuan/ton, suitable for food, medical, outdoor, and high-end decoration.

201 (200 series): chromium 17%+nickel 3.5-5.5%, low price, moderate corrosion resistance; Spot price of 7700-7800 yuan/ton, suitable for indoor decoration, low-end kitchenware, and furniture.

430 (400 series): 16-18% chromium, no nickel, stable price, strong magnetic properties; Spot price ranges from 8500 to 8800 yuan/ton, suitable for household appliances, kitchenware, building decoration, and automotive exhaust.

2、 Performance and Price Overview

How to choose 304, 201, 430 stainless steel? Latest Comparison and Procurement Suggestions for 2026

Corrosion resistance: 304>430>201

Price: 304>>430>201

Magnetic: 304 non-magnetic (micro magnetic after cold processing), 201/430 magnetic

Weldability: 304 is the best, followed by 430, and 201 is poor

3、 Market characteristics in 2026

304: The new nickel mining policy in Indonesia has pushed up costs, with prices remaining firm and fluctuating at high levels.

201: Weak demand, high inventory, limited price increase, outstanding cost-effectiveness.

430: No nickel cost advantage, stable demand for home appliances/cars, stable prices, and large substitution space.

4、 Procurement suggestion (avoid pitfalls)

Food/Medical/Outdoor/High end: Must choose 304 (2B/BA surface), corrosion-resistant and safe.

Indoor decoration/low-end kitchenware/tight budget: Choose 201 (J5/J7) for high cost-effectiveness.

Home appliances/kitchenware/car exhaust: Choose 430 (409L/436), nickel free, low-cost, and functional.

Attention: 201 has poor corrosion resistance, and coastal/humid outdoor environments are strictly prohibited; 304 Beware of non-standard goods with insufficient nickel content.

Summary in one sentence: 304 looks at quality, 201 looks at price, 430 looks at scene, 2026 selects according to demand and purchases rationally.