As a foreign client, what do I need to know?

1. Price and cost factors

Current market background:

Starting from December 1, 2024, China will cancel the 13% export tax rebate for low-end aluminum products, resulting in a price increase of 5% -10% for low-end products (such as 6061 aluminum bars, which may rise from $2500 per ton to $2700-2800 per ton). The price of high-end aluminum alloys (such as 7075, 2024, for aviation use) is relatively stable, around $6000-8000 per ton, but is affected by global demand and fluctuations in raw material costs.

Website related information:

Southwest Aluminum specializes in extruded and forged products, without explicitly mentioning low-end aluminum materials. It may have shifted its focus to high-end markets such as aviation and military forged rings.

matters needing attention:

Price transparency: The website does not list specific quotations, and inquiries must be made through the "24-hour response" service.

Exchange rate risk: If settled in RMB, pay attention to the fluctuation of the USD/RMB exchange rate (which may be in the range of 7.0-7.2 at the beginning of 2025).

Suggestion: Request a detailed quotation, including material specifications, quantities, and logistics costs; Consider signing a long-term contract to lock in prices.

2. Product Quality and Certification

Current market background:

The aviation, automotive, and other industries have increased their requirements for aluminum material performance. The intensification of competition in the low-end market has led to uneven quality, while the high-end market needs to comply with international standards.

Website related information:

Provide AMS, ASTM, EN standard products, equipped with third-party certifications such as SGS, BV, TUV, and ISO9001/14001/45001 systems.

Emphasize "strict quality control" and "product certificates are provided with each order".

matters needing attention:

Certification verification: Specific testing reports are required (such as SGS strength testing on 7075 aluminum rings) to ensure compliance with your industry standards (such as AMS 4027 for aviation).

Suggestion: Request sample testing with quality certificate attached; If it involves critical applications (such as aerospace), request a third-party inspection (such as TUV) report.