Stainless steel originated in Britain, the United States, Germany and other countries in the early 20th century, and gradually matured in the process of development. Because of its excellent performance of corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, high strength, exquisite surface and 100% recyclability, stainless steel has been widely used in construction, transportation, energy, petrochemical, environmental protection, urban landscape, medical treatment, catering and other fields, and gradually accepted by people. As a result, more and more people are entering the daily life of ordinary people.

China's stainless steel industry has achieved rapid development. China's stainless steel industry has made relatively late progress. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China and before the reform and opening up, the demand for stainless steel in China is mainly based on the advanced use of industry and national defense. After the reform and opening up, the rapid development of the national economy and the remarkable improvement of people's living standards have stimulated the demand for stainless steel. Since the 1990s, China's stainless steel industry has entered a period of rapid development, and the growth rate of stainless steel demand is far higher than the global level.

Since the late 1990s, a series of stainless steel production lines have been built in Taigang, Baosteel, Baoxin, Zhangpu and other state-owned and joint ventures through the introduction and technological transformation. The stainless steel technology and equipment have reached the international advanced level, and the stainless steel production has begun to take shape. The variety and structure of stainless steel have also undergone positive changes, and the quality of stainless steel products has been rapidly improved. Especially the domestic stainless steel cold-rolled sheet is growing rapidly.

Iron and steel has become the most basic and important material for modern industrial and agricultural production, transportation, national defense and even people's lives. At present, although various new inorganic materials and organic synthetic materials have been greatly developed. But in terms of production cost and wide applicability, they are far from being able to replace steel. Therefore, iron and steel production capacity is still an important indicator of a country's national strength.