3003 Aluminum Plate Price 2025

We believe 3003 aluminum plate remains one of the most economical and versatile non-heat-treatable alloys for sheet and plate work in 2025. Typical transaction prices in the market during 2025 cluster roughly between USD 2,000 and USD 3,500 per metric ton for standard sheet/plate quantities, with retail small-cut prices per pound or per square foot higher due to processing and cutting fees. The alloy’s steady demand, broad supplier base (mills and merchants), and the influence of base aluminum LME movements together determine the price bands shown below.

What 3003 aluminum is

We describe 3003 as a commercially common alloy that is essentially commercially-pure aluminum strengthened by manganese (about 1–1.5%) to produce roughly 20% higher strength than 1100-series aluminum while retaining excellent ductility and corrosion resistance. It is not strengthened by heat treatment; strength increases come from cold working only. This composition and classification are standard across international datasheets and mill specifications.

Short definition in one line: 3003 = aluminum + ~1–1.5% Mn, non-heat-treatable, good formability and corrosion resistance, widely used for general sheet and plate work.

Mechanical and physical properties

We always ask: which temper do you need? Mechanical behavior changes with temper.

• Temper options: typical tempers for 3003 plate are O (annealed), H14 (strain hardened and partially annealed), H18/H22 for tread patterns, etc. H-tempers increase yield and tensile via cold work, but reduce formability.

• Mechanical numbers (typical ranges): tensile strength is roughly in the low 20 ksi range (approx. 110–220 MPa depends on temper and thickness), and Brinell hardness values are low relative to structural alloys; these numbers make 3003 easy to form and weld. For exact project calculations we rely on supplier MTRs or datasheets.

• Corrosion & fabrication: 3003 resists atmospheric corrosion well and can be welded with common aluminum techniques. It machines poorly compared to 6xxx series but accepts bending, deep drawing and spinning. For fuel tanks or food contact components the alloy’s corrosion resistance is an asset.

Product forms and standard sizes

We see 3003 supplied in multiple commercial forms:

• Flat sheet and plate: thicknesses from thin foil fractions up to several inches; typical plate for fabrication falls in 0.032" up to 1/4" and thicker. Retail merchants list many common cut sizes (1×4 ft, 2×4 ft, 4×8 ft, or custom cut).

• Coil: for continuous processing and roll forming.

• Tread/diamond plate: H-tempers for slip-resistant flooring and toolboxes.

• Strip & foil: for lighter gauge uses, sometimes used in battery case or electrical parts (industry specific).

When estimating weight, use standard density 2.70 g/cm³ to convert from area and thickness to mass.

Common applications and sectors

We recommend 3003 where formability, corrosion resistance and cost matter more than high strength:

• Architectural trim, siding, and cladding — cosmetic finish and corrosion resistance.

• Food and chemical handling equipment — tanks, hoppers, because it does not require heat treatment and has acceptable corrosion properties.

• Transportation panels and trailer siding — lightweight panels where forming is required.

• Tread/diamond plate for walkways and toolboxes — when surface traction is needed.

• General sheet metal work, ductwork and fabricated components — owing to low cost and good formability.

2025 market snapshot price

We track four main determinants of 3003 plate pricing in 2025:

1. LME and primary aluminum movements — primary aluminum cash and three-month LME behavior drives base ingot cost, which flows into alloy premiums. In 2025 LME oscillations and regional premiums compressed or widened prices depending on demand and inventories.

2. Regional premiums and conversion cost — slabbing, rolling, surface finish, cutting and tempering add conversion margins. Domestic distributors charge extra for small order quantities.

3. Feedstock and scrap availability — secondary aluminum and scrap premiums influence rolled product cost, especially for widely recycled alloys such as the 3xxx series. Recycling streams and energy prices therefore matter.

4. Freight and trade patterns — ocean freight, tariffs (where applicable), and local demand affect landed price. China export offers often show lower ex-works numbers, while US/Europe retail listings show higher per-ton prices reflecting processing, inventory and smaller lot sizes.

Taken together, these drivers produced the representative price bands we present below. Recent mid-2025 market commentary pointed to a phase in which LME movements and regional coil premiums caused small declines in some locations while merchant inventories remained steady.

Global price comparison (representative, 2025)

Below is a snapshot we prepared from mill offers, merchant listings and regional marketplaces in 2025. These figures are representative transaction or catalogue ranges for commonly traded 3003 sheet/plate (USD unless noted). Prices vary with quantity, thickness, temper, and finishing; always treat them as indicative.

Important notes on the table above:

• The lower end (~$2,000–$2,500/mt) generally reflects large-lot, mill or Chinese export offers in 2025.

• The higher end reflects small quantity cut-to-size, pattern plate (tread), or finished surface grades sold by distributors and retailers in North America or Europe.

Buying guidance — how we evaluate quotations

We recommend a pragmatic checklist when you are comparing quotes — we follow it for MWalloys procurement and advise clients similarly:

1. Specify exact alloy, temper, thickness and finish — e.g., 3003-H14, 0.080" bright finish, or 3003 H22 tread plate. Ambiguity causes price differences.

2. Quantity and delivery window — mill lots vs distributor pieces. Per-ton prices fall with volume; cutting / edging adds unit fees.

3. Request MTRs and certifications — confirm chemical composition and mechanical test results. For marine or food use ask for relevant approvals.

4. Check whether price is ex-works, FOB, or delivered — freight and insurance add materially to landed cost.

5. Confirm surface and processing tolerances — e.g., flatness, mill scale removal, punching or pre-drill requirements. Those are often extra charges.

6. Compare lead times — long lead times may lock in price but increase inventory costs. We model total landed cost (material + freight + inventory) rather than focusing only on per-ton sticker price.

Specification & testing checklist

When we accept a supplier, we request:

• Chemical analysis showing Mn, Cu, Fe, Si, Zn, Mg and balance Al.

• Mechanical test results for the delivered temper (yield, tensile, elongation).

• Product specification (ASTM B209 or equivalent mill standard).

• Surface condition and mill finish description.

• Traceability to coil/heat lot plus MTR (Material Test Report).

• Packing, marking and certificate of conformity (COC).

Obtaining these documents prevents surprises during fabrication and ensures warranty defense if components fail early.

Environmental, recycling and supply-chain notes

We factor sustainability into procurement choices. The 3xxx series is highly recyclable; secondary (recycled) aluminum content affects price and carbon footprint. Energy intensity in primary aluminum production means that recycled content typically has substantially lower embodied carbon. Scrap availability and secondary processing capacity therefore play a role in regional pricing. We recommend asking suppliers for recycled content statements if carbon accounting matters to your organization.

Frequently asked questions

Q1 — What is a reasonable 2025 spot price for 3003 plate delivered to a factory in North America?
A: For typical small to medium orders, expect distributor delivered prices that equate to roughly USD 2,500–4,000 per metric ton, depending on sheet thickness, temper, and processing. Large mill lots and direct imports can be lower. Always confirm whether the quote is delivered or ex-works.

Q2 — How much stronger is 3003 compared with 1100 aluminum?
A: The manganese addition in 3003 raises strength approximately 15–25% over commercially pure 1100, while maintaining good ductility and forming capability. Exact percentages depend on temper and forming history.

Q3 — Can 3003 be used in structural components?
A: 3003 is suitable for many sheet-metal fabrications but not optimal where high structural strength or toughness is required — for load-bearing parts designers typically choose 5xxx or 6xxx series alloys. Use 3003 where formability and corrosion resistance outweigh strength demands.

Q4 — Why do merchants show higher per-ton prices than mill ex-works figures?
A: Merchant prices include cutting, finish, inventory carrying costs and smaller minimum orders. Mill prices for full-tonne lots omit these downstream conversion costs, hence the spread. Freight, tariffs and local taxes further widen the gap.

Q5 — What’s the best way to lock price for a production run?
A: Negotiate a purchase agreement that specifies delivery windows, quantities and price formula (for example base LME + fixed premium) or use forward purchasing from mills with clear terms. If your consumption is high enough, ask suppliers for a should-cost or fixed contract to minimize exposure to LME swings.