In September 2026, the SMM A00 aluminum spot average traded in a band of RMB 24,080–24,560 per tonne, with a month-to-date average near RMB 24,284/t (about USD 3.40/kg at an indicative RMB/USD 7.15). As of 2026-09-17, the spot stood at RMB 24,180/t (about USD 3.38/kg), with prior-month comparison not yet available in the current dataset. Over the most recent five sessions the price eased about 1.6%, so the near-term read is range-bound-to-soft rather than trending hard in either direction. For international buyers, the ex-works price of Aluminum Extruded Bar depends on more than the base metal. The main cost drivers are:
SMM aluminum base (raw metal). The dominant component. Every RMB 100/t move in SMM A00 shifts the underlying metal cost by roughly USD 0.014/kg, so the base sets the floor.
Conversion / processing fee. Extrusion conversion in China is broadly stable month-on-month - typically RMB 1,500–3,500/t (about USD 0.2–0.5/kg) ex-works, rising with section complexity.
Alloying elements and temper. 6082-T6 is formulated for higher strength and corrosion resistance than 6061-T6, which lifts melt and process cost marginally. Alternative tempers and alloys change the economics again.
Size premium. Small diameters, thin walls, and wide or asymmetric profiles raise per-kg conversion cost. Large standard rounds carry a modest premium over small ones, while fully custom dies add tooling amortization.
Surface treatment. Anodizing, powder coating, or bright finishes add roughly USD 0.3–0.6/kg and longer process time.
Price by Size & Grade
All figures below are indicative, market-dependent, ex-works China, and exclude freight, packing, and import duties. They are derived from the SMM A00 anchor plus typical conversion and grade premiums, and must be confirmed against a formal GNEE quotation. Trend (▲ / ▼ / -) reflects the aluminum base direction versus the start of September 2026.
| Product | Size (mm) | Grade | Surface | Price (USD/kg) | Price (USD/t) | Trend | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extruded bar | Ø20–80 mm | 6061-T6 | Mill | 3.4–4.2 | 3,400–4,200 | ▲ | indicative, ex-works |
| Extruded bar | Ø20–80 mm | 6082-T6 | Mill | 3.6–4.4 | 3,600–4,400 | ▲ | +3–6% vs 6061 |
| Extruded bar | Ø80–200 mm | 6061-T6 | Mill | 3.5–4.3 | 3,500–4,300 | ▲ | larger section, +2–4% |
| Extruded bar | Ø80–200 mm | 6082-T6 | Mill | 3.7–4.5 | 3,700–4,500 | ▲ | +3–6% vs 6061 |
| Extruded profile | per drawing | 6063-T5 | Mill | 3.6–4.6 | 3,600–4,600 | ▲ | die + surface extra |
| Extruded bar (anodized) | Ø20–80 mm | 6061-T6 | Anodized | 3.9–4.8 | 3,900–4,800 | ▲ | anodizing +0.3–0.6 USD/kg |
Update month: September 2026 (data as of 2026-09-17, SMM A00). Figures reflect China ex-works market levels and are revised monthly with the SMM A00 aluminum anchor.
Why 6082-T6 Costs More Than 6061-T6 Aluminum Rod
6082-T6 typically commands a +3–6% premium over 6061-T6 in like-for-like supply. The reason is metallurgical, not cosmetic:
| Dimension | 6061-T6 | 6082-T6 |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | general-purpose, good | higher, structural-grade |
| Corrosion resistance | good | better for marine / offshore |
| Relative cost | baseline | typically +3–6% |
Higher strength and corrosion resistance. 6082-T6 is specified where load-bearing and atmospheric or marine corrosion resistance matter - bridges, cranes, trusses, offshore. Its formulation delivers that profile at a small alloying and processing premium.
Extrudability versus cost. 6061-T6 remains the general-purpose workhorse with the best cost/performance for frames, brackets, and machinery. You pay a premium for 6082-T6 only when the application actually needs its structural margin.
Inventory and lead. 6082-T6 is slightly less universally stocked than 6061-T6, which can add a small availability premium on spot buys.
Bottom line: choose 6061-T6 for cost-sensitive general fabrication; step up to 6082-T6 only when strength or corrosion resistance is a design requirement.
Applications & Cost Trade-offs
6061-T6 - general structural fabrication, machine frames, brackets, automotive components, marine fittings. Best balance of cost and performance; the default choice.
6082-T6 - heavy and structural members, bridges, cranes, trusses, marine and offshore. Used when strength and corrosion resistance dominate the spec.
6063-T5 - architectural profiles (windows, doors, curtain walls) where surface finish, not strength, drives the design.
Cost trade-off: specify 6061-T6 unless the structure genuinely demands 6082-T6; reserve 6063-T5 for finish-critical architectural work. Avoid over-specifying temper or surface treatment you do not need - a standard mill-finish 6061-T6 is the cheapest defensible option.
Typical supply specifications:
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Temper | T5 / T6 (per grade) |
| Standard | ASTM B221 / EN 755 / GB/T 6892 |
| Diameter | Ø10–300 mm (round), custom profiles |
| Length | 1000–6000 mm, or cut-to-length |
| Surface | Mill, anodized, powder-coated |
| MOQ | Flexible, small orders negotiable |
| Lead time | 15–30 days |
How to Reduce Procurement Cost
Index the base to SMM. Price the metal component off an SMM A00 formula over the contract window so spot spikes do not blow the budget.
Standardize sizes. Common Ø20–80 mm rounds cost less to convert than custom or oversized sections; consolidating on a few sections cuts die and setup overhead.
Consolidate shipments. Combining several small orders into one lot saves freight and MOQ overhead.
Negotiate conversion at volume. Conversion fees fall with tonnage; GNEE's flexible MOQ helps here.
Right-size the spec. Drop unnecessary tempers, tight tolerances, or surface treatments (anodizing adds roughly USD 0.3–0.6/kg).
Quick cost check: total material cost = weight (kg) × price per kg. For example, 5,000 kg of 6061-T6 at USD 3.4/kg is about USD 17,000 ex-works, before conversion extras, freight, and duties.
Why Buyers Choose GNEE
Established 2008, exporting to 100+ countries and regions.
Flexible MOQ - small orders are negotiable, not refused.
Standard lead time 15–30 days, with multi-temper, multi-size, and multi-surface supply from one vendor.
Transparent, SMM-indexed quotations plus export documentation and seaworthy packing support - no surprise surcharges.
Get a Quote
Tell us your grade, size, temper, quantity, and destination, and GNEE returns an indicative ex-works or FOB price within 1–2 working days. MOQ is flexible and standard lead time is 15–30 days. Use the table above as a planning range, then request a firm quote for your specific order.
