ASTM 202 Stainless Steel Pipe Price 2025

ASTM-listed stainless steel pipe marketed under grade 202 is a cost-effective alternative to higher-nickel alloys for many structural, architectural, and light industrial pipe applications; its global market price in 2025 varies widely by region, supply chain (seamless vs welded), and order volume — typical seller listings cluster around low-to-mid single-dollars per kilogram or roughly several hundred to a few thousand dollars per metric ton depending on lot size and finish.

What “202” stainless steel means

We treat grade 202 as a member of the 200-series of austenitic stainless steels. The hallmark of this family is reduced nickel content offset by higher manganese and nitrogen. Typical chemical windows for 202 place chromium in the high teens (≈16–19%), nickel around 4–6%, and manganese roughly 7.5–10%, with controlled carbon, silicon, phosphorus and sulfur. That composition yields an austenitic microstructure with properties similar to some 300-series alloys but at lower material cost.

Why the composition matters to a pipe buyer: chromium provides the passive oxide film that gives stainless its corrosion resistance; manganese and nitrogen help stabilize austenite while allowing nickel levels to be reduced. The tradeoff is cost versus corrosion performance: lower nickel helps price but reduces some forms of corrosion resistance compared with 304/316.

Standards and how suppliers list 202 pipe

There is no single universal ASTM specification named “ASTM 202.” Instead, pipe made from grade 202 material is commonly offered under general stainless-steel pipe standards (for example ASTM A312 for seamless and welded austenitic stainless pipes, or ASTM A554 for welded mechanical tubing) by many mill stockists and exporters. In practice, vendors will list the grade (AISI 202 / UNS S20200 / SS202) alongside the applicable pipe standard for wall thicknesses and dimensions. Buyers should confirm the exact ASTM/ASME designation the supplier is applying to the product, because acceptance standards, testing protocols, and allowable properties can differ.

Manufacturing types and finishes: what you can order

We split the market by production method and finish; each choice influences price and suitability:

• Seamless pipe: drawn or hot-extruded; preferred where internal pressure and smooth bore are required. Higher cost, typically quoted per ton with higher minimums.

• ERW (electric resistance welded) and welded pipe: economical and widely used for structural or low-pressure piping; internal weld seam may be removed or finished. Lower unit cost and lower minimum quantities.

• Polished / bright-annealed finishes: used for architectural and visible applications; adds processing cost.

• Cold-drawn tubing: tight tolerances and better surface finish for instrumentation or furniture components.

When we quote, we specify the exact production type, surface finish, ends (plain/ beveled/ threaded), and heat treatment (annealed condition is common) because these affect both performance and price.

Mechanical and physical properties

Grade 202 is known for relatively high tensile and yield strength compared with some 300-series alloys, with good ductility and excellent toughness at low temperature. Typical mechanical property ranges reported in mill datasheets include:

• Tensile strength: often in the 480–600 MPa neighborhood for common condition deliveries.

• Yield strength (0.2% offset): typically higher than 200-series counterparts and sometimes higher than 304 in as-delivered condition.

• Elongation: generally satisfactory for forming operations.

• Hardness: depends on work hardening; annealed condition softer than cold-worked states.

Thermal and electrical behavior is like most austenitic stainless steels: moderate thermal conductivity and non-magnetic in the fully austenitic condition (some magnetism may appear after heavy cold working).

Corrosion behavior and real-world performance

In clean, mildly corrosive atmospheres and in many indoor environments, 202 performs acceptably. However, it is less resilient than 304 and far less than 316 in chloride-rich or marine atmospheres. Key practical points we emphasize to buyers:

• General atmospheric corrosion: fine for urban indoor uses and many fabricated architectural elements.

• Marine/coastal exposure: not recommended for long service life; pitting and crevice corrosion risk rises with chloride content.

• Chemical exposure: avoid where reducing acids or chloride stressors are present.

• Welded fabrications: intergranular corrosion should be mitigated by correct welding practices and post-weld treatment if necessary.

Because of these limitations, we usually recommend 202 for cost-sensitive structural components, indoor fixtures, automotive trim, and non-critical plumbing — but not for chemical process piping or seawater service.

Typical applications where 202 pipe is widely used

From our experience supplying global buyers, common uses include:

• Decorative handrails, balustrades and building facades where budget is a major driver.

• Furniture frames, lightweight structural tubing and machine guard rails.

• Kitchen and household appliances in noncoastal settings.

• Automotive trim and interior roll cages where formability and cost matter.

• Heat exchangers and non-critical process conveyance in dry or mildly corrosive atmospheres.

We advise specifying environment, expected lifetime, and acceptable maintenance frequency so we can recommend 202 or advise upgrade to 304/316 where failure risk is material.

Global price snapshot — market data (2025)

Below we collate representative seller listings and market feeds we surveyed in early-to-mid 2025. These are illustrative price points from public supplier pages and marketplaces; actual negotiated quotations will depend on quantity, finish, and contract terms.

Important interpretation notes we provide:

• Market postings on public platforms show broad price dispersion because those pages mix small-order retail, sample lots, and bulk contract pricing. Use public listings only as a starting benchmark.

• For meaningful comparisons, request quotes in the same units (US$/ton or US$/kg), specify finish and production type, and include packaging and CIF/CFR/FOB terms. Freight, tariffs, and currency movements remain major drivers from month to month.

How we (manufacturers/suppliers) price a 202 pipe quotation

When a buyer asks us for a price, we check and itemize the following:

1. Raw material input (coil or billet) pricing — the mill price for base stainless coil influences our material cost.

2. Production method — seamless production has a different cost structure than ERW/welded.

3. Size and thickness — smaller diameters may have different weight per meter and processing overhead.

4. Surface finish / processing — polishing, annealing, straightening add to unit cost.

5. Quantity — MOQ and price breaks are critical; per-kg price drops significantly for large tonnage.

6. Inspection and certification — third-party testing (mill test reports, chemical analysis, PMI/UT) adds fees.

7. Logistics and incoterm — FOB vs CIF vs EXW change seller vs buyer burden and price.

8. Payment terms & financing — letters of credit, advance payments and currency risk are factored.

We always supply a price sheet breaking down these components, because transparency reduces disputes later.

Quality control, testing and certificates we supply

Buyers should insist on the following minimum documentation for exported 202 stainless pipe:

• Mill Test Report (MTR) with chemical and mechanical results.

• Certificate of Compliance referencing the applicable ASTM/ASME standard the material is claimed to meet.

• Non-destructive testing (NDT) where required (UT for seamless pipe, PMI for alloy verification).

• Third-party inspection report when specified by buyer.

• Packing list and photos before shipment for containerization checks.

If your project is safety-critical, require full traceability (heat number to coil to pipe) and independent lab verification.

Logistics, lead times and packaging

Typical lead times depend on whether inventory is in the supplier’s stockyard or needs fresh production:

• From stock: 1–3 weeks for standard sizes and finishes (subject to inspection and export paperwork).

• New production: 6–12 weeks common for smaller mills when raw material purchase is needed.

• Large contracts: can be staged over months; negotiate delivery schedule and penalties.

Packaging for export: pipes are bundled, end-capped, and banded, then wooden-crated or lashed in containers. For long ocean transit we recommend corrosion-inhibiting inner wraps and desiccants for polished surfaces.

Sustainability and recycling

We emphasize that stainless steel scrap content is high and the alloy is widely recyclable; this reduces lifecycle carbon footprint relative to many other metals. When comparing grades, note that nickel-reduced 202 has a different raw material footprint than higher-nickel alloys, but lifecycle durability should be weighed — more durable alloys with fewer replacements can yield lower environmental impact over time.

Five buying tips to get the best value

1. Clarify the environment: specify whether the pipe is indoor, coastal, or chemical service so the right alloy is chosen.

2. Compare apples to apples: require FOB or CIF quotes with the same finish, wall thickness and certificate package.

3. Ask about MOQs and price breaks: small-order premium vs bulk discounts can make a different alloy more attractive.

4. Request a PMI scan or MTR review before shipment to avoid grade substitution.

5. Plan logistics: consolidating shipments and agreeing long-term purchase plans often unlocks better mill pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Q1 — Is ASTM 202 a formal ASTM grade?
Short answer: There is no ASTM specification numbered “202.” “202” is an alloy grade (AISI/UNS) often supplied in product lines that are manufactured to general ASTM pipe standards (for example ASTM A312/A554 listings from vendors). Confirm the supplier’s declared standard before purchase.

Q2 — How much cheaper is 202 compared with 304 or 316?
Price differences depend on raw material cycles and quantities. Public listings in 2025 show 202 frequently appearing at a lower per-kg price than 304/316 on retail platforms, but actual saving varies by region and order volume. Always get live quotes for your quantity.

Q3 — Can 202 be used in food processing equipment?
202 may be used for some non-critical food contact applications in controlled indoor environments. For strict food processing standards (washdown, chlorinated cleaners, long-term sanitation), higher grades (304/316) are more common and often required by regulators or customers.

Q4 — Does 202 pipe magnetize after fabrication?
In its annealed austenitic condition 202 is essentially non-magnetic. Heavy cold working or some welding cycles can induce partial ferrite or martensite and increase magnetic response; if non-magnetism is critical, specify post-fabrication anneal and testing.

Q5 — What tests should I require on the certificate?
At minimum: chemical composition by heat, tensile test, and an MTR that references the purchaser’s specified standard. For critical uses, add UT/RT for seam integrity, PMI for alloy verification, and a third-party inspector’s acceptance report.

Closing summary

We believe grade 202 stainless steel pipe fills an important cost-performance niche in 2025: it delivers austenitic mechanical properties and acceptable corrosion resistance for many interior and light-duty uses while offering material cost savings. Price discovery requires live supplier engagement — the public listings we checked provide useful benchmarks but do not substitute for a factory quotation that includes finish, quantity, packaging, certificates and freight. When you are ready, provide your required size(s), wall thickness, finish, approximate quantity and destination port; we will prepare a detailed quote comparing seamless vs welded options, lead time, and test documentation.