Chinese extruders price profiles as metal plus conversion: the day's aluminium ingot price (in China usually the Changjiang or SMM A00 spot price; internationally buyers watch the LME) plus a processing fee per ton that depends on the section, the finish and any fabrication. Thin, complex and heavily finished profiles carry higher processing fees; simple mill-finish sections the lowest. Export quotations then convert this to USD per ton or per kg, FOB or CIF.
| Price component | What drives it |
|---|---|
| Aluminium ingot | Daily metal market price; the largest share of the cost |
| Extrusion fee | Section complexity, wall thickness, die count, order size |
| Surface treatment | Mill < anodizing < powder < wood grain < PVDF |
| Fabrication | Cutting, CNC, punching, bending, assembly |
| Packing & logistics | Film, crates, container loading, trade term |
Why quotes change from week to week
Because the metal part follows the market, many factories quote with a validity of a few days or fix the metal price on the day the order is confirmed. Ask whether a quotation is a fixed price or ingot-linked.
How to compare quotations
Compare the processing fee and finish specification, not only the total. Check alloy, temper, wall thickness, coating thickness and packing are the same in each quote.
Questions
Do you quote per ton or per piece?
Profiles are usually quoted per ton or per kg; finished windows and doors per square metre or per piece.
Can the metal price be fixed?
Ask when ordering: the metal price can be fixed on the day the order and deposit are confirmed.