ASTM A871 Structural Steel Plate Price 2025

For most heavy-structure applications in 2025, ASTM A871 Grade 60/65 plates give the best combination of high yield strength and atmospheric corrosion resistance at a competitive cost versus specialized weathering steels; however, procurement strategy (region, mill lead-time, heat size and finish) is the single biggest driver of landed price differences worldwide.

What ASTM A871 covers

ASTM A871/A871M is the standard specification for high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) structural steel plate with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance, typically used for poles, tubular structures, and other applications where painting is impractical or cost-ineffective. The standard defines grades, chemical control routes and mechanical testing (tension, Charpy V-notch) to ensure both strength and toughness.

Grades and delivery conditions

A871 commonly comes in Grade 60 and Grade 65 (minimum yield 60 ksi and 65 ksi respectively). Plates may be supplied in as-rolled, normalized, or quenched & tempered conditions depending on the requested combination of strength and toughness. The standard also allows several Types (I, II, IV etc.) that vary slightly in chemical limits to tune weldability, toughness and atmospheric resistance for different applications.

Typical chemistry and metallurgy

A871 is an HSLA, so chemical composition is controlled more to meet mechanical goals than to exactly match a single fixed formula. Typical alloying includes low carbon with additions such as manganese, small amounts of chromium, copper, and nickel (trace), and sometimes microalloying elements (V, Nb/columbium) to refine grain and raise strength without losing toughness. Supplier grade sheets list compositional windows by Type (Type I–IV) to meet the necessary mechanicals. For practical procurement we request the supplier’s mill certificates (heat analysis) and Charpy reports for the intended heat and thickness.

Mechanical properties & toughness

Minimum yield strengths are 60 ksi (Grade 60) and 65 ksi (Grade 65). Tensile and elongation requirements are specified in the standard; impact toughness (Charpy V-notch) is required at designated temperatures depending on thickness and end use. For cold-climate or dynamic loading we specify Charpy V at a lower temperature than default to ensure notch toughness. Always confirm the delivered heat’s actual measured properties — the mill certificate must accompany the shipment.

Atmospheric corrosion resistance (ASTM G101)

A871 plates are intended to show improved resistance to rusting (weathering steel family). The standard references an ASTM G101 corrosion resistance index; many manufacturers also test the plate in salt-spray or cyclic corrosion tests. If you plan to use bare weathering steel without paint in severe marine or industrial environments, specify required G101 index or equivalent lab data and consider coatings or sacrificial design where chloride exposure is high.

Manufacturing & heat-treatment options

Mill processing (hot rolling, controlled rolling) and heat treatments determine through-thickness toughness. A871 permits as-rolled, normalized, and quenched & tempered (Q+T) conditions. Normalizing produces a refined grain and better toughness across thickness; Q+T yields higher strength but at cost and sometimes tighter heat size control. For tubular sections and poles, we usually favor normalized material to balance toughness and cost unless a specific high-strength Q+T grade is needed.

Sizes, tolerances & availability

Standard mills supply A871 plates in common plate dimensions (thickness ranges often from a few millimeters up to 150 mm, widths up to several meters). Exact availability depends on mill inventory. For large projects ask suppliers for cut-length vs full plate pricing because cutting increases cost. Many distributors stock common plates and can deliver faster, while mill direct orders may require longer lead times but sometimes lower mill-price per ton. Supplier catalogs provide the dimensional ranges available and any mill minimums.

Fabrication, welding & NDE

A871 steels are designed for good weldability; their low carbon and controlled alloying reduce risk of cracking. Still, preheat and interpass controls may be necessary for heavy sections or welded hollow structures. Specify welding procedures (WPS/PQR) tied to the grade and thickness, and require NDE inspections (UT/RT and visual) where structural safety is critical. For pole and tubular work, fatigue considerations and weld geometry matter more than small differences in alloy — design weld detail carefully.

Surface treatment & long-term performance

Although A871 is weathering steel, the protective patina (stable rust layer) develops over time. In some environments (marine spray, heavy industrial SO₂/chloride) the patina may not stabilize and will continue to corrode. For long life we either: (a) choose painted/coated systems, (b) use A871 in sheltered locations, or (c) specify a higher corrosion index / additional corrosion testing. If aesthetics or low maintenance are priorities, request mill reports showing long-term corrosion behavior or choose painted systems.

Global price analysis (2025) — what drives cost

Steel plate price is not a single number — it depends on raw material costs (iron ore, scrap, coking coal), freight, tariffs, regional demand, and product form (plate vs coil vs cut part). In 2025 the market has continued to show regional divergence: North American HRC/plate indices have been in the mid-to-high hundreds of USD/ton (spot ranges reported roughly $840–$975/ton in spring 2025), while China domestic prices have been materially lower (reflecting domestic supply and policy), and India’s plate prices have sat between these ranges with local currency movements and import flows affecting levels. Macro trade actions and freight rates remain the dominant short-term price drivers.

Global price comparison table — indicative (mid-2025)

Notes: figures are indicative market benchmarks and should be confirmed with live mill/distributor quotes. Units = USD per metric tonne (FOB or domestic ex-mill where noted).

How to use this table: treat the China numbers as domestic ex-works (freight and export taxes change the landed cost). For a real tender you must request FOB mill or CIF delivered prices; freight and duties can add $30–$120/MT depending on destination and container/ship capacity.

Why prices differ (practical levers we use at Luokaiwei)

1. Mill vs distributor: Buying mill direct reduces per-ton price but adds minimum lots and lead times.

2. Heat size & certification: Smaller heats or special Charpy temp requirements increase premiums.

3. Delivery condition: Q+T is more expensive than normalized.

4. Inventory vs spot: Spot buying can be cheaper in soft markets but risky for delivery.

5. Tariffs & duties: Import duties and anti-dumping measures materially change landed cost (always check current tariff lists).

Procurement & specification tips

• Specify the grade and Type (e.g., ASTM A871 Grade 65 Type II, normalized).

• Require mill heat certificate (EN 10204 / ASTM equivalent) and Charpy reports for the supplied heat and thickness.

• List dimensional tolerances and chemical limits; if you need guaranteed G101 corrosion index, make it a contract condition.

• Agree NDE & welding inspection scope up front (UT, RT, weld coupons).

• Ask for a price breakdown: base plate, cutting, edge prep, testing, packaging, freight, insurance. This helps you negotiate.

• Consider forward buying or hedging for large programs; small price moves have big budget impacts on projects that need thousands of tonnes.

ASTM A871 vs similar standards

• A871 vs A588 (Corten): Both are weathering steels; A588 is a more commonly referenced Corten grade for structural sections, whereas A871 is specifically tailored for plates used in tubular/pole applications with its own G101 corrosion index requirement. Choose A588 for architectural weathering applications where established precedents exist, and A871 where the plate is to meet tubular/pole mechanical and corrosion indices.

• A871 vs A572: A572 is a general HSLA structural steel family (Grades 50/55/60/65) without the weathering emphasis; A871 specifically adds atmospheric corrosion resistance requirements.

• A871 vs EN standards: EN 10025 variants (S355J2W/S355J0W) provide similar weathering and mechanical ranges in Europe — check equivalency tables for substitution but confirm corrosion index and Charpy requirements.

Case example: estimating landed cost for 200 MT of A871-65 plate

1. Mill price (China ex-works estimate): $600/MT → 200 MT = $120,000.

2. Cutting & QC, packaging: ~$30/MT → $6,000.

3. Freight (bulk / FOB to Dubai / CIF): ~$50–$120/MT depending on container/ship charter → assume $80 → $16,000.

4. Insurance & admin: ~$6/MT → $1,200.

5. Duties & port handling: variable (0–12% depending on route) → assume 5% of goods = $6,000.
   Total landed (example): ~$149,200 → ~$746 / MT landed.

This example is directional; contact multiple mills and freight providers for firm CIF offers.

FAQs

Q1 — Is A871 suitable for coastal/marine exposure without paint?
A: Only in moderate coastal zones where the patina can stabilize. For spray or splash zones and heavy chloride exposure, we specify coatings or choose higher assurance testing — ask suppliers for comparative G101/cyclic corrosion data.

Q2 — Which grade (60 or 65) should I pick for poles and tubular structures?
A: Grade 65 gives higher yield for the same thickness — useful where section sizes are constrained. If toughness and weldability in thick sections matter more, Grade 60 in normalized condition is often preferred.

Q3 — How does A871 pricing compare to plain carbon plate?
A: A871 usually trades at a premium to ordinary carbon plate because of alloying and tighter testing; the premium varies by region (often modest in China, larger in the US/Europe where weathering steel specifications are stricter).

Q4 — What documents should I require on delivery?
A: Mill heat certificate (chemical & mechanical), Charpy impact reports, test coupons, and a compliance statement to ASTM A871 revision referenced in your PO. If you rely on a distributor, require the distributor to supply mill paperwork.

Q5 — Can I substitute A588 or EN weathering steels for A871 to save cost?
A: Only after engineering review; check equivalency for corrosion index, Charpy temperatures, and local code acceptance. Sometimes substitution is acceptable but must be documented and approved by structural engineer.