Chinese domestic market prices of austenitic flat-rolled stainless have risen more than RMB 1000/tn since the middle of October, Steel Business Briefing learns from industry sources. But prices are now comparatively stable, reflecting the balance between market supply and demand. Traders in Foshan in southern China and in Wuxi, west of Shanghai, say that buyers are only purchasing as much material as necessary. They want to limit stocks on hand rather than risk losses should the present high market prices not be sustained. A Taiyuan Iron & Steel (Tisco) official denied suggestions of production cuts however but acknowledged that deliveries from mills to stockists might still be delayed as a consequence of China’s national holiday during early October. Tisco’s August production was lower than July but September and October saw output recover. In Foshan, 2mm thick 304/2B CRC is now around RMB 36,500−36,600/tn, incl.17% VAT, while 2mm thick 304 No.1 HRC is at RMB 33,200−33,600/tn, incl.17% VAT. Wuxi market prices for the above two products are very similar to those in Foshan.