Jiangsu Xihu Special Steel, a stainless longs producer based in eastern China’s Jiangsu province, is expected to commission a 200,000t/y drawing quality wire rod line in July or August. Output will mainly be 5.5−10mm dia rod in 200, 300 and 400 series stainless. The company currently produces 20,000t/y of rod and bar, mostly for the domestic market. Jiangsu Xihu started exporting last year, and expects to increase its overseas sales when the new line is commissioned. Currently its main markets are Europe and North America. Xihu operates a small EAF meltshop, but it also purchases billet. The company intends to expand its melting capacity to match the new rolling throughput, but officials say there is no formal plan at this stage.
