Mexico imposes provisional AD duties on China’s aluminum profiles and bars
2026-01-04
On December 29, 2025, Mexico’s Ministry of Economy (SE) issued an affirmative preliminary ruling regarding aluminum profiles and bars imported from China. A provisional anti-dumping (AD) duty of US$1.55 per kilogram will be levied on the subject goods. This measure became effective immediately after the announcement and remains valid for a four-month period.
The decision follows an investigation launched in March 2025, with the dumping investigation period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and the period of the damage analysis from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2024.
The products involved are under tariff codes 7604.10.02, 7604.10.99, 7604.29.01, 7604.29.02, and 7604.29.99 of the TIGIE.
6061 aluminum bar offers the highest strength and machinability; 6005 aluminum profile balances strength and extrudability; 6063 aluminum profile excels in surface finish and complex extrusion for architectural use.
Chemical Composition (Weight %)
| Alloy | Si | Mg | Cu | Mn | Cr | Zn | Ti | Fe | Al |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6005 | 0.6-0.9 | 0.4-0.7 | ≤0.1 | 0.1-0.3 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.35 | Balance |
| 6063 | 0.2-0.6 | 0.45-0.9 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.1 | ≤0.35 | Balance |
| 6061 | 0.4-0.8 | 0.8-1.2 | 0.15-0.4 | 0.15 | 0.04-0.35 | ≤0.25 | ≤0.15 | ≤0.7 | Balance |
- 6061 has higher Mg and Cu for higher strength
- 6005 has higher Si than 6063, boosting strength while maintaining extrudability
- All are heat-treatable (T4, T5, T6 tempers)
Mechanical Properties (T6 Temper, Typical)
| Property | 6005 Profile | 6063 Profile | 6061 Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 260-290 MPa | 210-240 MPa | 265-310 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 240-260 MPa | 180-210 MPa | 245-276 MPa |
| Elongation (2 in) | 8-12% | 10-14% | 8-12% |
| Hardness (HB) | 75-85 | 65-75 | 80-95 |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ | 2.70 g/cm³ | 2.70 g/cm³ |
Key Performance Characteristics
| Feature | 6005 Profile | 6063 Profile | 6061 Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extrudability | Very Good | Excellent (best for complex shapes) | Good |
| Surface Finish | Good | Superior (ideal for anodizing) | Good |
| Strength | Medium-High | Medium | High |
| Machinability | Good | Fair | Excellent |
| Weldability | Good | Very Good | Very Good |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Very Good | Excellent |
| Formability | Good | Very Good | Good |
Primary Applications
| Alloy | Best Uses | Typical Products |
|---|---|---|
| 6005 Profile | Structural components requiring moderate strength and good extrudability | Railings, truck frames, bicycle components, automotive parts, architectural structures |
| 6063 Profile | Architectural applications needing premium finish and complex shapes | Window/door frames, curtain walls, decorative trim, LED channels, furniture |
| 6061 Bar | High-strength structural parts, machining-intensive components | Machine parts, bolts/nuts, aerospace components, bicycle frames, marine fittings, tooling |
Alloy Selection Guide
| Scenario | Best Choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural extrusions with fine details | 6063 Aluminum Profile | Unmatched surface finish, easy complex extrusion |
| Medium-load structural components | 6005 | Balances strength and extrudability |
| High-strength, machined parts | 6061 Aluminum Bar | Highest strength and machinability |
| Welded assemblies | 6063 or 6061 | Better weldability with fewer cracking issues |
| Cost-sensitive architectural projects | 6063 | Most economical with good aesthetics |
| Heavy-duty industrial components | 6061 Bar | Superior load-bearing capacity |
Processing & Fabrication Notes
- Extrusion: 6063 > 6005 > 6061 (ease of complex shapes)
- Heat Treatment: All respond well to T6 tempering; 6061 shows greatest strength gain
- Anodizing: 6063 produces brightest, most uniform finish; 6005/6061 also good
- Machining: 6061 bar is easiest to machine; use sharp tools and proper lubrication
Final Recommendations
- 6063 Profile: First choice for architectural projects requiring precision, aesthetics, and corrosion resistance
- 6005 Profile: Best for structural applications needing higher strength than 6063 while maintaining good extrudability
- 6061 Bar: Optimal for mechanical components requiring maximum strength, machinability, and load-bearing capacity
All three alloys are 6000-series (Al-Mg-Si), offering excellent corrosion resistance and recyclability, making them eco-friendly choices for various industries .