AZ55 Galvanized Steel Coil Price 2025

AZ55 Al–Zn coated steel coil (commonly called Galvalume®/Aluzinc) offers an excellent balance of long-term corrosion resistance, clean mill finish aesthetics, and competitive cost for unpainted roofing, cladding, and many industrial applications in 2025 — AZ55 remains the industry standard coating level for bare/unpainted sheet products and is widely priced between low-mid hundreds to around USD 1,200 per metric ton depending on region, specification and order terms.

what “AZ55” actually denotes

When you see AZ55 on a coil specification it denotes an aluminum-zinc alloy coating at a nominal 0.55 ounces per square foot (total both sides), the common commercial designation for Galvalume/Aluzinc used in many standards. In metric terms this commonly corresponds to coating mass classes used by mill standards (e.g., AZM165 / AZ55 equivalents depending on the reference). AZ55 is the commonly used level for mill finish, unpainted panels where the bare metallic appearance and cut-edge protection are required.

Coating chemistry and how AZ coatings protect the steel

The Al–Zn alloy used in AZ coatings is typically around 55% aluminum, ≈43% zinc and small additions of silicon (~1–1.6%) (formulations vary by mill). Aluminum supplies a long-lasting barrier layer (oxidizes to a stable, adherent film), zinc supplies galvanic (sacrificial) protection, and silicon assists wettability and adhesion in the continuous hot-dip process. The combined effect gives Galvalume style coatings superior resistance to atmospheric corrosion and excellent protection at cut edges compared with pure zinc coatings of the same mass.

Key practical points:

• Aluminum provides durable barrier protection and high reflectivity (useful for energy performance).

• Zinc provides sacrificial protection to scratches and edges; the alloy balance extends life versus pure Zn for many exposure classes.

• Silicon content and process controls determine coating appearance (spangle), adhesion and formability.

Mechanical grades, sheet forms, and typical dimensions

We commonly supply AZ55 coated product in these formats:

• Coils: standard widths from 600 mm up to 1,250 mm+; coil weights commonly 3–10 tonnes depending on handling and mill limits.

• Cut-to-length sheets and slit coils for roof panel lines and roll forming.

• Thicknesses: from thin cold-rolled interstitial gauges (e.g., 0.12 mm / 0.005″) up to structural sheet (e.g., 2.0 mm), but typical roofing/architectural gauges sit between 0.35–0.7 mm.

• Common substrate specifications: DX51D+AZ (European), ASTM A792/A792M designations (where applicable), and a range of commercial structural grades (e.g., structural H/GQ grades).

Mechanical properties vary with base steel grade (cold-rolled vs hot-rolled), but the coating does not materially change yield/tensile values; it does influence bending formability and post-forming corrosion behavior at edges.

Manufacturing, quality control and standards

AZ55 coils are produced in continuous hot-dip lines where strip steel passes through molten Al–Zn bath and is then cooled, skin-passed, tension-leveled and optionally passivated or acrylic-coated for handling. Key quality checkpoints we emphasize:

• Coating mass verification (triple-spot or triple-spot test and lab gravimetric checks), to ensure nominal AZ55 on both sides.

• Adhesion and bend tests (e.g., ASTM bend tests, mandrel testing) to ensure formability.

• Salt spray / accelerated corrosion trials for comparative ranking (while not a direct predictor of field life, they give normalized performance data).

• Surface cleanliness and oiling: for ease of slitting and reduced coil cracking.
  Standards commonly referenced include ASTM A792/A792M (for Al–Zn coated steel) and national equivalents; mills often supply certified test reports for each coil.

Performance: corrosion resistance and cut-edge behavior

AZ55 performance highlights:

• Superior resistance vs. GI (pure zinc) of the same nominal mass in many atmospheric and long-term exposures; aluminum gives long-term barrier protection while zinc provides sacrificial action.

• Cut-edge protection: the Al–Zn alloy provides better protection at edges and cut areas compared with standard galvanize at the same nominal mass, which matters for roll-formed profiles and metal buildings.

• UV/reflectivity benefits: higher aluminum content gives higher solar reflectance in mill finish, beneficial for roof cooling and energy performance.
  Because of these attributes, AZ55 is widely selected for exposed architectural roofing and siding where painting is not desired or where long life with lower maintenance is a requirement.

Where AZ55 is preferred over other coatings

We typically recommend AZ55 for:

• Unpainted roofs and facades where a metallic look is acceptable.

• Cut-edge sensitive applications (e.g., panels with many cut or folded edges).

• Projects requiring long service life without maintenance (industrial roofs, agricultural buildings, commercial buildings in non-aggressive marine zones).
  For painted products, AZ50 is often sufficient and more common because the paint system supplies the primary corrosion barrier; for bare mill-finish products AZ55 is the more common spec.

Global price comparison — Market picture for 2025

Below is a practical snapshot of typical GA55 / Galvalume coil pricing in Q1–Q3 2025. These are ballpark FOB mill or EXW figures and should be used for budgeting and comparison; final landed cost will depend on order quantity, lead time, specification, freight and currency movement.

Commentary on the table: China export quotes remain lower in nominal terms, but freight, customs duties, and quality/inspection costs narrow the landed cost gap for many buyers. In the U.S., specialty coils (tighter flatness, premium substrate, or quick delivery) command a premium; SMU and other domestic indices reported Galvalume averages near USD 1,100/ton in 2025 sample windows. For budgeting, always allow a ±10–15% contingency for market volatility.

Supply chain factors and lead times that influence price

Key drivers we track and that buyers should consider:

• Hot-rolled coil feedstock costs — base HRC moves influence coated coil prices with a lag.

• Mill capacity and maintenance schedules — outages or line conversions (e.g., to prepainted lines) reduce supply and push prices up.

• Coating extras and premium for AZ55 — some mills add coating surcharges or minimums for specialty coil chemistries.

• Freight and logistics — ocean freight spikes or port congestion add significantly to landed costs, especially for coils that require specialized handling.

• Tariffs and anti-dumping measures — country-specific duties can change landed costs quickly; always check current trade measures.

• Order size and coil scheduling — larger, repeat orders receive better pricing and shorter relative lead times.

From our experience, when lead times extend beyond 6–8 weeks, buyers often see price premiums; conversely, flexible delivery windows can secure discounts.

Handling, forming and paintability notes

We emphasize these practical advice points based on manufacturing and field experience:

• Handling: coils must be stored dry and off the ground; edge guards and protective films (or oil) reduce handling damage.

• Forming: AZ55 has good formability but sharp bending and tight radii increase the risk of coating micro-cracks; use appropriate tooling and increased overbending where needed.

• Cut edges: edges are the most vulnerable area; for long term protection consider sealer at seams or overhangs in aggressive environments.

• Paint systems: if the product will be painted, ensure the substrate chemistry and surface treatment match the paint manufacturer’s requirements. For painted products many buyers specify AZ50 rather than AZ55 because the paint system is the sacrificial barrier.

Environmental, sustainability and regulatory considerations

Al–Zn coatings are recyclable along with the steel substrate; the aluminum content yields higher reflectivity which can improve building energy performance. Regulatory considerations:

• RoHS / REACH: coatings should comply with local regulations on heavy metals and reporting where applicable.

• Local building codes: coastal or highly corrosive environments may require thicker coatings or alternate alloys — always verify local code requirements and warranty coverage.

• Embodied carbon: using long-life metal roofing reduces lifetime material replacement; some projects track life-cycle carbon benefits of Galvalume over shorter-life coated steels.

Maintenance, warranty and expected service life

Typical service life expectations vary widely with environment and detailing:

• Non-aggressive inland environments: AZ55 mill finish roofs commonly achieve 25+ years with minimal maintenance.

• Aggressive marine or industrial environments: service life can be reduced; specify higher coating classes, protective overcoats, or sacrificial paint systems.

• Warranty notes: many manufacturers offer 20–30 year limited warranties on AZ55 mill finish panels when installed per their instructions; check what the warranty covers (corrosion perforation, chalk/fade, reflectivity) and what exclusions apply (industrial fallout, improper handling). Tri-County and similar fabricators commonly state AZ55 is the coating necessary to support 25-year warranty programs for exposed panels.

Practical recommendations for specifiers and procurement teams

From our perspective, a pragmatic spec and procurement workflow should include:

1. Define exposure class for the project (inland, coastal, industrial) and set minimum coating class accordingly (AZ55 for exposed installations is a safe baseline).

2. Request mill test certificates (MTCs) for coating mass, substrate grade and mechanical properties with each coil.

3. Specify fabrication tolerances, slitting width tolerances, and flatness limits if panels will be roll-formed.

4. Ask about passivation and optional acrylic oils for storage/handling.

5. Get multiple pricing routes (domestic mill, reputable importers, and mill direct export quotes) and compare full landed cost + inspection and acceptance criteria — not just FOB price.

6. Plan for lead time contingency and include acceptance sampling procedures if you rely on overseas supply.

These steps reduce the chance of specification drift, costly rework and warranty exposure.

How AZ55 compares with alternatives

• AZ55 vs AZ50 (Galvalume): AZ55 has slightly higher coating mass and is preferred for bare/unpainted panels; AZ50 is common for painted products.

• AZ55 vs G90/G275 (galvanized zinc coatings): AZ55 typically outperforms equivalent-mass galvanize on long-term corrosion resistance and cut-edge protection in many atmospheres.

• AZ55 vs prepainted products: painted systems provide aesthetics and a different corrosion management model; if long term exposed metallic aesthetic is desired, AZ55 mill finish is preferable.

Sample specification language

For engineers and procurement we often recommend a short, clear spec clause such as:

Supply continuous hot-dipped Al–Zn alloy coated steel coil, coating class AZ55 (nominal 0.55 oz/ft² total both sides), meeting ASTM A792 or equivalent. Coating composition: approximately 55% Al, 43% Zn, remainder Si/traces. Provide mill test certificate showing coating mass, substrate grade, thickness, and mechanical test data. Coils shall be free of oil contaminants, delivered with edge protection and minimum coil weight as specified.

Common commercial terms and negotiation levers

• MOQ and price breakpoints: larger volumes (≥25–50 tonnes) typically attract better FOB pricing from mills/exporters.

• Payment terms: L/C vs T/T can influence pricing; suppliers may offer better CIF or FOB depending on payment guarantees.

• Inspection: pre-shipment third-party inspection (SGS, BV) adds cost but reduces risk; negotiate who bears the cost.

• Coating extras & tolerances: certain tolerances (e.g., ±0.02 mm thickness) and special surface finishes may incur extras.

FAQs

Q1: Is AZ55 the same as “Galvanized”?
A1: No. AZ55 refers to an aluminum-zinc alloy coating (commonly called Galvalume or Aluzinc) with approximately 55% aluminum content and a nominal coating mass of 0.55 oz/ft². “Galvanized” usually denotes pure zinc coatings (G-designations). The two behave differently in corrosion exposure; AZ coatings offer different barrier and sacrificial protection balance compared with pure zinc.

Q2: For painted profiles should I specify AZ55 or AZ50?
A2: For painted products the industry often uses AZ50 since the paint forms the primary corrosion barrier and the slightly lower coating mass reduces material cost. For unpainted/exposed applications AZ55 is the more common choice, delivering better bare finish durability.

Q3: What is the usual price per ton in 2025 and where can I buy competitively?
A3: Prices vary by region and specification. In 2025 typical advertised China export quotes for standard Galvalume coils were near USD 700–800/ton, while U.S. domestic FOB mill ranges averaged around USD 1,050–1,250/ton for Galvalume coil benchmarks. Always request current mill quotes and clarify incoterms — FOB, CIF and landed costs differ significantly.

Q4: How should I store and handle AZ55 coils to avoid premature damage?
A4: Store coils indoors or under waterproof covers, on pallets or skids, avoid direct ground contact, and use coil edge protectors. Minimize stacking and avoid exposure to standing water; for long storage consider light oiling or a temporary protective film.

Q5: What warranty can I expect on AZ55 mill finish products?
A5: Many reputable manufacturers offer 20–30 year limited warranties for AZ55 mill finish roof panels when installed per manufacturer instructions. Warranties differ in scope — some cover perforation by corrosion, others cover chalk or fade. Always request warranty text and installation requirements from the mill or fabricator.