| An austenitic stainless steel of the present invention has the following chemical composition based on percent by weight: C: 0.05% or less, Si: 1.0% or less, Mn: 2.0% or less, P: 0.04% or less, S: 0.01% or less, Ni: from 12 to 27%, Cr: from 15 to 26%, Cu: over 3.0 to 8.0%, Mo: over 2.0 t |