3A21 Aluminum Bar Price 2025

We find that 3A21 aluminum bar remains a cost-effective, corrosion-resistant Al–Mn wrought alloy commonly used where formability and anti-rust behavior matter; in 2025 the raw-LME aluminum benchmark sits near $2,500–2,700 / tonne while finished 3A21 extruded bar prices (FOB finished-product) typically range $2,200–4,000 / tonne depending on origin, temper, dimensional tolerance and value-added work. Buyers who prioritize fast delivery and factory-direct pricing should consider Chinese manufacturers such as Luokaiwei for competitive FOB quotes, customization, and short lead times.

What is 3A21 aluminum

We treat 3A21 as a manganese-strengthened, wrought aluminum alloy widely used in Asia for anti-rust sheet, coil and bar products. It cannot be heat-treated for strengthening; mechanical properties are obtained by cold working and tempering. This places 3A21 in the same performance family as the 3xxx series of Al–Mn alloys.

Chemical composition and mechanical properties (typical ranges)

Below are typical composition ranges seen in supplier datasheets and national standards for 3A21 / similar Al–Mn alloys:

• Aluminium (balance): ~96.8–99.0%

• Manganese (Mn): ≈ 1.0–1.6%

• Iron (Fe): ≤ 0.7%

• Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.6%

• Copper (Cu): trace / typically ≤ 0.2%

• Mg / Zn / Cr / others: traces within limits for wrought alloys

Typical mechanical properties (cold-worked tempers vary): tensile strength commonly ~120–170 MPa, yield depends on temper, elongation relatively good for forming operations. These ranges are consistent with published datasheets for 3A21 and the well-documented 3003 family.

How 3A21 compares with 3003 and nearby alloys

In practice, many suppliers and standards treat 3A21 as effectively equivalent or very close to 3003 (the international designation). Differences are subtle: some Chinese specifications set slightly different limits on Cu or Mn, which can shift forming behavior or corrosion resistance slightly. For engineering selection, 3003 data sheets from international standards are a reliable baseline for 3A21 unless the purchaser specifies a stricter chemical tolerance.

Product forms, tempers and manufacturing

3A21 is supplied in these common product forms:

• Extruded bars & rods (round, hex, square, flat). Extrusion per ASTM B221 for bars/rods is common for international orders.

• Sheet / coil / plate — widely used for body panels and cladding.

• Wire / rivet rod for fastening applications.

Tempers you’ll see: H12, H14, H24 etc. — temper affects hardness, formability and stretchability.

Typical applications

We see 3A21 used where resistance to atmospheric corrosion and good forming are required:

• Building facades, roofing trims and gutters

• Vehicle body panels and non-structural automotive parts

• HVAC components, ductwork, housings

• General sheet-metal fabrication where welding and painting follow.

Standards and inspection points (what to require in a PO)

When specifying 3A21 bar, include these items in the purchase order and inspection plan:

• Material standard for extrusions: ASTM B221 / B221M (extruded bars, rods, profiles).

• Wrought sheet standards (if sheet): ASTM B209, ISO 6361 or Chinese GB/T 3880 family for delivery conditions and mechanical properties.

• Chemical analysis certificate (EN 10204 / GB/T equivalent) — request mill certificate (3.1 or 2.2 depending on risk).

• Dimensional tolerances and straightness — specify tolerances for bars and required machining allowance.

• Surface finish and acceptable defects — e.g., extrusion lines, pits, oxide scale for coil products.

Including these points avoids costly rejections and clarifies responsibility for nonconforming material.

Global raw-material price drivers in 2025

Two pieces of context matter for bar pricing in 2025:

1. LME aluminium benchmark — the London Metal Exchange cash/3-month prices in mid-2025 generally traded in the ~$2,500–2,700 / tonne band; LME charts and market releases show this mid-year level and daily volatility. This base metal cost is the largest single input for commodity-grade aluminium products.

2. Regional premiums, freight and tariffs — physical premiums (e.g., US Midwest premium) and tariffs/higher delivery fees materially change landed costs; in 2025 U.S. premium/fee moves and policy choices made a material difference to import economics. For finished bar, tolling, extrusion energy and alloying cost are added on top of LME.

How finished 3A21 bar price is built

A realistic pricing model adds layers on top of LME base metal:

• LME raw aluminium benchmark (USD/tonne)

• Aluminium premium / regional delivery fee (per-tonne or per-lb)

• Alloying & scrap premium (Al-Mn alloying costs and any trace element premiums)

• Processing costs (extrusion tooling, billet production, cooling/stretching, straightening, machining)

• Surface finishing (mill finish, anodize, polishing)

• Inspection, certification and testing (chemical & mechanical)

• Packaging, insurance, inland freight to port

• FOB/EXW margin (factory margin) and freight & import duty to destination

Because processing and labour costs vary by country, finished-bar FOB numbers differ meaningfully from the LME price. For example, in-China FOB finished bar quotes often cluster in the $2.2–3.5k/tonne band for commodity shapes; finished product priced in North America or EU commonly shows higher landed prices due to freight, premiums and tariffs.

Global price comparison (2025 ranges — indicative)

Notes: These ranges are indicative (supplier quotes and market data as of 2025 mid-year). Finished bar prices vary by dimension, temper, quantity, and required certification. Where possible we cite representative sources.

How to read this table. Use LME as the raw-metal baseline; add extrusion and conversion costs (typically several hundred USD/tonne) and then regional premiums, freight and duty to estimate delivered price to your works. Supplier quotes should always be requested as firm FX-dated offers (incoterm, quantity, tolerance, certification).

Practical procurement & technical buying tips

We recommend the following when sourcing 3A21 bars:

• Specify exact chemical & temper limits (if interchangeability with 3003 is intended, say so).

• Order mill certificates and, for critical parts, request full chemical analysis from the batch.

• Request sample heat treatment/temper reports when strength or elongation is critical.

• Negotiate MOQ vs price — many Chinese suppliers accept tonnage discounts (e.g., 1–10+ tonne pricing tiers on Alibaba / Made-in-China listings).

• Consider value-added in origin: cutting to length, machining or packaging at factory reduces processing abroad.

• Be explicit on surface finish and cosmetic acceptance to avoid returns.

• If buying for automotive or food contact, check surface treatment and traceability (and mention relevant standards in PO).

Why Luokaiwei (our commercial + technical pitch)

We represent Luokaiwei as a China-based manufacturer with the following propositions you can insist on in a commercial RFQ:

• Factory-direct pricing — 100% factory price advantage for standard extruded bar shapes (no distributor middle margin).

• Custom services — custom sections, tempers, CNC pre-machining and precision tolerances available.

• Fast delivery on stocked sizes — stock items typically ship faster than custom extrusions.

• Mill certificates and testing — chemical & mechanical test reports provided; 3.1 certificates available on request.

• Small-lot acceptance — for trial orders we support reasonable MOQs and sample deliveries.

When you request a quote from Luokaiwei, provide the part drawing, tolerances, required certificate (e.g., EN/ASTM/GB), quantity and desired incoterm (FOB/EXW/CIF). We will price using the current LME baseline plus conversion and provide a transparent quote. (This is a standard procurement workflow we use with international customers.)

Environmental & recycling notes

Aluminum’s energy intensity is dominated by primary smelting; however, recycling (secondary aluminium) dramatically reduces embodied energy and costs. For many commodity alloys like 3A21, a portion of the billet feedstock can be made from recycled aluminium, which reduces cost and carbon footprint — a point to ask suppliers about if sustainability targets matter. LME/market commentary also shows recycled premiums and availability influence regional pricing.

FAQs

Q1 — Is 3A21 the same as 3003?
Short answer: In practice they are very similar and often interchangeable, but check the chemical limits and mill certificate. Some Chinese specs label the alloy 3A21 and set specific element limits; international 3003 data from ASTM/ISO is a robust reference.

Q2 — Can 3A21 be heat treated to increase strength?
No — 3A21 (like other 3xxx Al–Mn alloys) is not heat-treatable. Strength increases are achieved by cold working and selecting appropriate tempers (H-tempers).

Q3 — What minimum order size and lead time should I expect from China?
MOQs vary by supplier and product. For stocked bar shapes, small trial orders (1–5 tonnes) are often accepted; custom dies or section shapes require higher volume and longer lead time. If you choose factory-stocked dimensions, delivery can be measured in days–weeks; custom extrusions take several weeks. Check the supplier’s stock and lead-time commitment.

Q4 — Do I need to test every batch on arrival?
For critical projects we recommend sampling and verifying chemical composition and mechanical properties per your spec. For commodity uses, mill certificates plus occasional independent checks are common practice. Specify inspection rules in the contract.

Q5 — How much cheaper is buying from Luokaiwei / China vs buying locally?
Savings depend on local market, tariff and freight. For many buyers, China FOB finished bar prices are visibly lower than small-volume North American retail prices; however landed-cost parity must account for tariffs, freight and import fees. Request a total landed cost comparison (DPP/CIF) to make an apples-to-apples decision.

How we price and how to request a quote

When you contact Luokaiwei or any manufacturer, provide:

• Alloy designation (3A21 or 3003), required temper (H14/H24 etc.)

• Material form (round bar, square bar, flat bar) and dimensions (diameter x length)

• Quantity (tonnes or pieces) and desired incoterm (FOB/CIF/EXW)

• Required certificates (e.g., EN/ASTM, 3.1) and testing (UT, chemical)

• Surface finish expectations and packaging requirements

• Delivery schedule and preferred shipping port

We use LME as the basis, then add conversion and a transparent factory margin. For large contracts we can agree a price-adjustment clause tied to a published LME average to reduce both parties’ price risk.