The stainless steel industry in Australia plays a pivotal role in manufacturing, supplying critical infrastructure and serving hygienic applications such as pharmaceutical, food and beverage production. These are fundamental to our national safety and standard of living. Like much manufacturing in Australia, challenges such as a high and fluctuating Australian dollar and rising labour costs have led to a reduction in the industry’s size over the past two decades, with annual apparent consumption averaging 85,000 tonnes. However, the industry is poised for growth, driven by several key opportunities.

Stainless steel offers vital support to the renewable energy industry through its corrosion resistance and durability, serving in solar PV structures, wind turbine components, hydropower infrastructure and energy storage technologies, such as hydrogen production. It will also be a key material in many carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies. As renewable energy adoption grows, the demand for stainless steel in these sectors is expected to rise, presenting significant opportunities for industry expansion and innovation. Defence is another growth sector where stainless steel offers critical advantages in applications such as naval and maritime construction, aerospace components and infrastructure and support equipment. There is also a growing demand for high-performance stainless steels, including duplex stainless steels, mainly due to their superior corrosion resistance and high strength. Such steels have increasing usage in coastal infrastructure, structural applications, chemical processing, and oil and gas industries. Furthermore, stainless steel will be key in the green transition as it often outperforms other materials in its carbon footprint over the life of the product. At the end of life, stainless steel is 100% recyclable, with a recycling rate of 95% globally, 70% of which is used to make new stainless steel. Indeed, stainless steel contributes to circular economy practices through its longevity and life-cycle characteristics.

Despite the promising opportunities, the local industry faces several challenges, including intense competition from international manufacturers and fluctuations in raw material prices. Without a local stainless steel producer, Australia operates as a project-oriented market with significant investment in local fabrication capacity, employing thousands and developing skilled trades. To remain competitive, the industry must excel in innovation, quality and service, while addressing the perception of high cost when compared to other materials. Upholding competitiveness will also depend on the adoption of digital technologies to increase capability and effectiveness. The promotion of stainless steel as a material of choice and its many benefits is crucial in supporting this, and the Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA) plays a critical role in this endeavour. Established in 1992, ASSDA focuses on fostering the understanding and use of stainless steel by enhancing the competence and efficiency of the industry through promotion, education and training initiatives. ASSDA provides technical advice and offers fabricator accreditation as it strives to cultivate an innovative, proactive and member-responsive culture. The continued success of the Association is made possible by the invaluable support of its 160+ member organisations. For more information about ASSDA visit: www.assda.asn.au