317L Stainless Steel Coil Price 2025

As of August 2025, 317L stainless-steel coil remains a premium 300-series alloy: because of its higher nickel and molybdenum content versus 304/316 families, it typically trades at a marked premium to common 300-series coils. Prices vary widely by origin, coil specification (hot-rolled vs cold-rolled, gauge, width, finish), order size and current raw-material cycles (LME nickel and molybdenum markets). For practical procurement we estimate broad, approximate FOB/ex-works ranges (illustrative only): China: USD 1,200–3,000 / metric tonne, India: roughly USD 1,400–4,200 / t, Europe: USD 3,000–6,500 / t, United States (domestic coil + surcharges): USD 3,500–8,000 / t — with headline volatility driven by nickel and molybdenum price moves and local trade measures. (See price table and sourcing notes below; numbers are market snapshots and should be confirmed with suppliers for your exact grade/finish/quantity).

What is 317L?

317L (UNS S31703, sometimes EN 1.4438) is a low-carbon, molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel. Compared with 316/316L, 317L contains higher nickel and molybdenum, typically ~3.0–4.0% Mo and ~11–15% Ni with chromium about 18–20%. The lower carbon (“L”) controls sensitization and helps welding performance in thicker sections. This composition gives improved resistance to reducing acids and chloride-induced pitting in aggressive environments.

Why that matters for price: nickel is the most expensive alloying metal in the mix by value; molybdenum adds a second, meaningful cost component. The combination makes 317L noticeably costlier than 304L/316L, and that premium fluctuates with commodity markets.

Mechanical properties

317L is fully austenitic and offers good formability, ductility and toughness across normal temperatures. Mechanical properties (yield, tensile) are similar to other 300-series grades in the annealed condition, though the molybdenum-rich chemistry can increase creep/rupture strength at elevated temperatures compared with standard 304/316. Welding is straightforward because of the low carbon level, but post-weld annealing practices depend on the application. For exact cert requirements, reference ASTM A240 / supplier mill certs.

Corrosion behaviour and common applications

317L’s higher molybdenum improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-bearing and reducing environments. It is commonly used in:

• Chemical and petrochemical equipment (sulfuric/nitric acid environments),

• Flue gas desulfurisation and cleaners,

• Pharmaceutical and food equipment where aggressive cleaning agents are used,

• Some marine and offshore components where localized attack is a concern.

Choose 317L when the environment contains chlorides or reducing species and when long service life justifies the alloy premium.

Coil types, thicknesses and finishes relevant to buying

Manufacturers supply 317L as hot-rolled coil (HRC) and cold-rolled coil (CRC). Typical thickness ranges:

• Thin gauge (0.1–1.0 mm): cold-rolled, used for strip and thin sheet parts.

• Mid gauge (1.0–4.0 mm): common for food and architectural panels.

• Heavy gauge (>4.0 mm): typically hot-rolled plate/coil for pressure or structural use.

Common finishes: 2B, BA, No.1, No.4, mirror/8K and textured options. Each finish affects price (BA and bright annealed premium > 2B). Coil widths and tolerances are another price driver; nonstandard widths can add processing cost.

Standards, traceability and test documents

Specify ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 for plate/sheet/strip coil chemical & mechanical requirements; reference UNS S31703 or EN 1.4438 where appropriate. Always require mill test reports (MTRs) showing actual chemistry, heat number traceability, and hardness if needed. For pressure-bearing or safety-critical components, include additional test requirements (e.g. PMI, pitting resistance testing, or third-party inspection).

Why raw materials (Ni + Mo) control the price

Two commodity drivers dominate 317L cost:

• Nickel (LME benchmarks) — nickel is the main cost component for most 300-series stainless steels. Nickel price moves directly change mill base costs and surcharges. As of August 2025 LME three-month nickel was trading around ~US$14,800–15,000 / tonne (daily variations apply).

• Molybdenum — although used at lower % than nickel, Mo is high-value per kg and materially affects alloys like 317L. Recent molybdenum price data show prices in the region of ~US$60–70 / kg (depending on form and purity), so even a few kg per tonne change denominates to notable alloy premiums.

Surcharges levied by mills (nickel and moly surcharges) are adjusted frequently and are applied on top of a base coil price; they can be fixed percentages or per-kg adders.

2025: headline market drivers you must watch

Short list of signals we watch when pricing 317L:

• LME nickel trend and inventories (tightness → premium).

• Molybdenum market (ferro-Mo and Mo metal availability) — Chinese ferro-Mo dynamics often move spot moly.

• Chinese stainless output and export policy — mill runs and export quotas change local availability and export pricing. (China remains the world’s largest slab/coil producer.)

• Trade measures (tariffs, antidumping, or surcharges) — especially in the US and EU these distort local coil prices and create import premiums.

• Freight & energy — coil shipping and warm-rolling electricity costs matter for delivered prices.

Because of these moving parts, we always ask for a time-stamped quotation (price valid date) and raw material surcharge formula when comparing offers.

Practical global price comparison

Important: the table below is a snapshot assembled from current supplier listings, trade feeds and market notes. It is not a formal market quote. Always ask suppliers for firm, dated offers and MTRs.

How to read this: you will see overlap between regions because specifications differ (finish, thickness, width, certification) and because some Chinese/Indian offers assume large MOQ and long lead times while EU/US prices frequently include stronger local guarantees and shorter lead times.

Typical cost build-up

When you evaluate a supplier quote, break the price into:

1. Mill base price (raw material + processing)

2. Alloy surcharge (nickel + moly adders) — get formula and reference dates.

3. Processing/finishing premium (cold-rolling, annealing, bright anneal, passivation)

4. Testing & certification (MTR, PMI, mechanical testing, PQR/WPS if needed)

5. Packing & handling (coil packaging for export)

6. Freight & insurance (FOB vs CIF)

7. Customs duties, local taxes, and any anti-dumping measures

8. Distributor margin / service fee (if buying via trader)

Ask suppliers to itemize these components. If you need a delivered price, insist the quote shows EXW/FOB/CIF terms and the incoterm applied.

Buying and specification tips

• Write the full spec: include grade (317L / UNS S31703 / EN 1.4438), standard (ASTM A240 / ASME SA240), coil thickness, width, finish, heat treatment, MTR class and acceptance criteria.

• Request clear alloy surcharge formula: e.g. “Nickel surcharge = X% of LME Ni index at date of invoice” and which LME settlement time is referenced.

• MOQ & lead time: mills often have MOQ 1–5 tonnes; traders may split coils but add cutting/processing cost.

• Inspection: require mill heat number traceability and MTR, and specify PMI or chemical retest if you are buying via middlemen.

• Samples & weld coupons: if product will be welded, request sample plates/coils for procedure qual and to test surface finish behavior.

• Surface finish acceptance: attach a finish sample photo or an ISO finish spec to avoid disputes.

• Consider total cost of ownership: a slightly higher alloy cost can be justified by longer service life or lower maintenance in aggressive environments.

Fabrication and welding notes

We advise customers to:

• Use appropriate filler metals matched to 317L (or compatible higher-alloy filler) when corrosion resistance in the weld is critical.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to sensitizing temperatures for thick sections; though 317L’s low carbon reduces sensitization risk, job-specific welding procedures matter.

• For forming, cold work increases strength but also work-hardens; allow for intermediate anneals if large forming strains are required.

Inspection, QA and acceptance checklist

When your coil arrives, check:

• Heat number matches MTR and MTR shows required chemistry (Ni, Mo, Cr, C, Si, Mn).

• Surface finish matches ordered finish and there is no significant pitting or contamination.

• Dimensional tolerances (thickness and width) meet the spec.

• Mechanical test values (yield/tensile/elongation) per ASTM A240 where required.

• If critical, perform PMI (positive material identification) to confirm chemistry.

FAQs

Q1: Is 317L always the better choice than 316L?
Not always. 317L gives better pitting resistance where chlorides and reducing acids are present, but at an alloy premium. For non-aggressive service environments, 316L often meets requirements at lower cost. Check local corrosion data and run a life-cycle cost comparison.

Q2: How should I ask for a price quote to avoid surprises?
Request a dated, line-item quote showing: base price, nickel surcharge formula (with reference), moly surcharge (if any), finishing cost, packing, freight term (EXW/FOB/CIF), and MTR inclusion. Also ask for lead time and MOQ. This avoids hidden adders.

Q3: Can I get 317L coil as small lots?
Yes, but expect higher unit cost. Small coil splitting, extra packaging and special finishing increase the per-tonne price. Traders can cut to length but charge processing fees.

Q4: What documentation should I insist on?
Mill test report (MTR) with heat number, chemical composition, mechanical tests, and if necessary PMI reports and third-party inspection certificates.

Q5: What market signals should buyers watch in 2025?
Track LME nickel levels, molybdenum price indices, and trade policy changes (tariffs or quotas) in buying regions — these explain most of the short-term price swings.