Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute Chairman Yung-Yu Tsai recently met with China Steel Corporation (CSC) to discuss fourth-quarter bar and wire rod pricing, Steel News reports.

Tsai urged the steelmaker to keep prices steady, noting that fastener manufacturers face ongoing challenges due to geopolitical conflicts, high interest rates, labor shortages, and slow demand. Export volumes remain far below historical highs, compounded by sluggish conditions in North America.

Taiwan's fastener export volume and value have declined since President Donald Trump surprised the U.S. ally with 50% tariffs on fasteners in 2025.

Although rising raw material expenses, including surging coking coal costs, add financial pressure, CSC said it will carefully evaluate international market conditions and operational pressures faced by downstream businesses before finalizing its pricing decisions, according to Steel News.

During the first seven months of 2026, CSC revenue grew 3%, while operating profit more than tripled.