Braubeviale 2024 Europe's largest trade fair for the beverage industry will once again be held in Nuremberg this year. Stainless steel wherever you look. Very impressive systems for the industrial production of alcoholic beverages, especially beer, including home brewing systems. Of course, there is also a huge repertoire of agitator tanks, dosing systems for non-alcoholic beverages as well as beautiful craftsmanship. We always include a piece of stainless steel. Specialist seminars where wine and beer meet. Climate change and the effects on hop and barley cultivation will also be the topics.

The US Federal Reserve FED raised interest rates and the stock market reacted euphorically and with record highs. It remains to be seen whether this situation can be sustained through the autumn. The general global economy is not yet really gaining momentum. The upcoming US elections in November are casting their shadows ahead and are also leading to restrained purchasing behaviour for projects involving stainless steel profiles. As a result, the stainless steel price is nevertheless at a good level in terms of value and the stock of material in the warehouse and market supply can be described as good.

As already noted in the market observation in January and February, the nickel price is rising slowly but steadily. This is also reflected in the increase in the alloy surcharge for April 2024. Nevertheless, it is not clear why this makes sense, as a rise in prices does not appear to be justified to the same extent given the subdued market situation and volumes. We will be happy to exchange ideas with our suppliers at Tube and wire and will also have the best market information available for you afterwards. Our grinding centre is currently processing round tube bends with a diameter of Ø306mm. After processing, the tubes and elbows will have uniform Ra values < 1.2my.

As expected, the March 2024 alloy surcharge is moving slightly upwards, but this does not correspond to the current demand and economic situation. The price movement could be seen as a silver lining on the horizon, but this will not yet mean a major price surge.