ASTM A500 Square Hollow Section Price per Kg

What is ASTM A500 Square Hollow Section?

ASTM A500 is the American standard specification that covers cold-formed welded and seamless carbon steel structural tubing in round, square, and rectangular shapes. The square hollow section (SHS) is especially popular due to its uniform shape, high load-bearing capacity, and ease of fabrication.

Table of Contents

Key characteristics include:

Grades: ASTM A500 comes in multiple grades (A, B, C, and D), each offering different levels of tensile and yield strength. Higher grades are used for heavy-duty applications.
Dimensional Control: The standard provides strict tolerances for outside dimensions, wall thickness, straightness, and corner radius.
Versatility: SHS can be welded, cut, drilled, and painted with ease.
Applications: Used in construction frameworks, machinery supports, fencing, structural beams, and infrastructure projects.

Price per Kilogram – General Market Range

Globally, the price of ASTM A500 SHS per kg generally falls in the range of USD 0.48 to USD 0.65 per kg for basic untreated or “black” steel tubes. If galvanised or specially coated, prices may rise slightly, usually between USD 0.55 and USD 0.75 per kg.

In some markets, the delivered cost, after freight, customs, and supplier markup, may reach USD 0.70 to USD 0.90 per kg. These figures serve as general benchmarks, as prices vary depending on location, order volume, and additional processing requirements.

Conversion: Price per Ton to Price per Kg

Steel suppliers often quote in USD per ton. To find the cost per kilogram, divide the ton price by 1,000.

Example:
If ASTM A500 SHS is priced at USD 550 per ton → per kg price is USD 0.55.
If priced at USD 600 per ton → per kg price is USD 0.60.

For practical purposes, buyers can also calculate the cost per meter. The weight per meter depends on the size and wall thickness of the SHS. For instance, a 100 × 100 mm SHS with a 4 mm wall thickness may weigh about 12–13 kg per meter. At USD 0.55 per kg, the cost per meter would be approximately USD 6.60 to USD 7.15 before additional charges.

Factors Affecting ASTM A500 SHS Price per Kg

The price of ASTM A500 SHS is influenced by many interrelated factors:

1. Grade and Specifications

Different grades have different mechanical properties. A500 Grade C or D, with higher yield strength, is often slightly more expensive than Grade A or B.

2. Size and Wall Thickness

Larger dimensions or thicker walls increase the weight per meter, thus raising total cost. Thinner walls may require tighter production control, which also affects pricing.

3. Surface Finish

Black steel (bare): Most economical option.
Galvanized: Adds corrosion resistance and cost.
Powder-coated or painted: Higher protection, higher price.

4. Quantity Ordered

Bulk purchases significantly reduce cost per kg, as mills and suppliers offer discounts for large orders.

5. Fabrication and Processing

Cutting, bending, drilling, and special machining add extra costs to the per-kg price.

6. Transportation and Logistics

Freight, insurance, loading/unloading, and inland transport contribute to final delivered price. Remote project locations usually pay more due to higher delivery costs.

7. Customs and Duties

Import duties, local taxes, and tariffs can push up costs. Locally manufactured steel often comes at a lower landed price compared to imports.

8. Market Demand and Supply

Prices fluctuate with global steel demand, raw material availability, and energy costs. Periods of high demand, like during major construction booms, can push prices upward.

9. Currency Exchange Rates

For buyers importing ASTM A500 SHS, exchange rate fluctuations between local currency and the U.S. dollar directly impact the per-kg cost.

Regional Price Variations

The price of ASTM A500 SHS differs from region to region due to manufacturing capacity, trade policies, and logistical challenges.

North America: Prices usually align with domestic steel indices, often ranging between USD 0.55 to 0.70 per kg. Local mills reduce dependence on imports, but tariffs can influence costs.
Europe: Prices are slightly higher, around USD 0.60 to 0.80 per kg, due to stricter environmental regulations and higher production costs.
Middle East: With easy access to imports from Asia, buyers often pay between USD 0.50 and 0.65 per kg. Delivered prices may go higher due to customs and inland transport.
Africa: Depending on import routes, per-kg costs may reach USD 0.65 to 0.90, as transport and port handling fees are significant.
Asia: Competitive pricing, especially from China and India, often brings prices down to USD 0.48 to 0.60 per kg for bulk orders.

Example Calculation – Delivered Price

Imagine a contractor in the Middle East ordering 100 tons of ASTM A500 Grade B SHS, 100 × 100 × 4 mm.

Base mill price: USD 550 per ton → USD 0.55 per kg.
Freight and handling: USD 70 per ton → + USD 0.07 per kg.
Customs and duties: USD 60 per ton → + USD 0.06 per kg.
Supplier markup and services: USD 30 per ton → + USD 0.03 per kg.

Delivered price: USD 0.71 per kg.
Thus, a 12.5 kg/m section would cost about USD 8.90 per meter delivered.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

Rising energy costs: Steelmaking is energy-intensive, and higher energy costs are likely to push SHS prices upward.
Logistics disruptions: Shipping delays and higher freight charges add to overall per-kg costs.
Sustainability measures: Environmental rules and carbon pricing may raise production costs in regions like Europe.
Demand from infrastructure projects: Global investment in infrastructure and renewable energy projects continues to drive demand for structural steel.
Regional sourcing: Many buyers are shifting towards local or regional mills to avoid import duties and reduce freight expenses.

Buying Tips for ASTM A500 SHS

Request Detailed Quotes – Always ask for full specifications: grade, dimensions, wall thickness, finish, and delivery terms.
Compare Suppliers – Check both local distributors and international exporters to find the best balance of price and logistics.
Order in Bulk – Larger orders lower per-kg costs and give leverage in negotiations.
Plan for Logistics – Factor in freight, duties, and inland transportation when budgeting.
Check Certifications – Ensure the supplier provides mill test certificates and compliance with ASTM A500 standards.
Monitor Market Trends – Stay updated on steel indices, raw material prices, and shipping costs.
Lock Prices Early – If prices are rising, it’s better to lock in with contracts or pre-payments.

Conclusion

The ASTM A500 Square Hollow Section is a fundamental material in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects due to its strength, reliability, and versatility. Globally, the base price typically ranges between USD 0.48 and 0.65 per kg, with delivered costs often landing between USD 0.70 and 0.90 per kg, depending on region and order specifics.

By understanding the factors influencing cost—such as grade, size, finish, logistics, and market conditions—buyers can make informed decisions and optimize their procurement strategies. Whether for large-scale infrastructure projects or smaller industrial applications, careful planning and supplier comparison ensure that ASTM A500 SHS remains a cost-effective, dependable solution.