How Import Tariffs Affect the Cost of Aluminum Windows from China

The Evolving Tariff Policies Are Disrupting The Global Aluminum Door And Window Supply Chain.

As of April 17, 2025, President Donald Trump, during his second term, has implemented a series of aggressive trade protectionist policies. These policies have significantly impacted the global aluminum door and window supply chain. A notable change occurred on March 12, 2025, when the U.S. introduced a 25% import tariff on all steel and aluminum products. This policy affects all steel and aluminum products, including aluminum doors and windows, door frames, and window frames. As a result, these products now face higher production and procurement costs.

One of the key changes in this policy is that customs authorities now require the tariff to be calculated based on the market value of the steel and aluminum components in the product. Moreover, companies must provide documentation for the entire supply chain process, such as records from smelters and proof of processing. If the product’s value cannot be determined, businesses must pay the 25% tariff based on the total value of the product. This creates a major challenge for companies that rely on transshipment trade. It forces global aluminum door and window suppliers to reassess their supply chain structures and cost control strategies.

Additionally, the U.S. tariff policy is causing the restructuring of global supply chains. Canada, a major source of aluminum imports for the U.S., is now facing reduced export orders and adjustments in production capacity. In contrast, Mexico, which has long depended on the “transshipment processing” model, is encountering increasing difficulties. This model involves importing raw materials from other countries, processing them locally, and then exporting the finished products to the U.S. However, due to the tightening of tariffs on steel and aluminum products, Mexico now faces greater challenges. To reduce costs, businesses may shift their production lines to countries with lower tariffs and more favorable policies. This shift is leading to the restructuring of the regional industrial layout, affecting the stability of the supply chain.

According to the latest forecast from the World Trade Organization (WTO), global trade is expected to decline significantly in 2025. This decline is due to the ongoing impact of Trump’s tariff policies. If this protectionist trend continues until 2040, global GDP could decline by nearly 7% in the long term.

How Will Tariffs Affect The Shipment Volume Of Aluminum Doors And Windows?

As of April 17, 2025, the comprehensive tariff on Chinese aluminum door and window products imposed by the United States has reached 45%. Additionally, the cancellation of a 13% export rebate for aluminum products by China at the end of 2024 has significantly increased the export costs of Chinese aluminum doors and windows. Many small and medium-sized manufacturers have seen their profits sharply reduced, and some companies have even been forced to suspend exports to the U.S., leading to a significant decline in overall shipment volumes. Trade between China and the U.S. in aluminum doors and windows is currently facing one of the most severe challenges in decades.

Looking ahead, it is expected that in the short term, exports of Chinese aluminum doors and windows will continue to face pressure. Many companies will accelerate their expansion into markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Additionally, some high-end manufacturers may choose to set up factories in other countries or open new export channels through OEM partnerships. This shift indicates that the industry is entering a new phase of competition. In this phase, flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing policies will be key.

How will Tariffs Affect the Cost of Aluminum Doors And Windows From China?

The impact of the U.S. tariff increase on China’s door and window industry costs can be seen in several areas:

Pressure on Raw Material Costs for the Door and Window Industry
The cost of raw materials, such as aluminum, has been driven up by rising international aluminum prices. This increase is due to China’s cancellation of export tax rebates. Furthermore, the U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum products have further inflated global supply chain costs.
Additionally, the high energy consumption involved in electrolytic aluminum production has led to higher aluminum prices, which directly increases the manufacturing cost of doors and windows.
Export Price Transmission Mechanism
Some companies are passing the tariff costs onto consumers by raising product prices. For instance, certain top-tier system window brands may leverage their technological advantages to increase product premiums, offsetting the impact of tariffs.
Companies that follow the FOB (Free on Board) trading model, such as some home appliance manufacturers in Foshan, can transfer tariff costs to clients. However, this is only possible if the market is willing to accept the price adjustment.
Pressure to Adjust the Supply Chain
High-end aluminum alloy doors and windows, as well as similar products, may face delivery delays due to restrictions on importing key equipment and materials. These delays can lead to additional hidden costs.
To mitigate risks, companies may need to localize production (e.g., by setting up factories abroad) or find alternative suppliers. However, adjusting the supply chain in the short term can involve significant costs.

Cost Breakdown: How Much Has a Chinese Aluminum Window Been Marked Up?

Taking a standard aluminum window with a factory price of $200 as an example, let’s examine the changes in total cost after the tariff increase:

Cost Item	Amount (USD)	Description
Factory Price	$200	Ex-works price from a Chinese manufacturer
Tariff (45%)	$90	Total tariff imposed when entering the U.S.
Freight & Insurance	$20–$30	International sea freight & insurance
Customs & Clearance	$5–$10	Includes documentation, agent & customs fees
Total Landed Cost	$315–$330	Final cost range after import into the U.S.

The total cost of a $200 aluminum window has increased by more than 65% once it enters the U.S. market.

Expert Insights: How to Navigate Tariff Changes and Supply Chain Disruptions to Optimize Aluminum Window and Door Procurement Strategies

As global trade patterns and tariff policies continue to shift—especially amid the ongoing U.S.–China trade friction—the aluminum window and door industry is facing unprecedented challenges. The question many industry players are asking is: how can businesses optimize procurement decisions, control costs, and maintain supply chain stability in such an unpredictable environment?

Here are our expert recommendations:

Adopt a flexible and forward-looking procurement strategy to adapt to evolving international tariff regimes and increasingly complex global logistics.
Closely track tariff trends in key export markets and respond quickly to regulatory changes.
Diversify sourcing channels by building a supplier network across multiple regions, minimizing reliance on any single country or route.
Secure raw material pricing in advance where possible, and take advantage of applicable tariff exemptions or preferential trade policies to reduce cost volatility.
Establish long-term partnerships with manufacturers that offer strong R&D capabilities, integrated production systems, and proven delivery performance—ensuring both product consistency and operational resilience.

At OMD, we operate a fully integrated supply chain and a global production footprint, enabling us to deliver custom-engineered aluminum window and door solutions to clients around the world. Our agile structure helps our partners maintain steady growth—even amid global disruptions.

If you have any questions or specific requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us. OMD is committed to providing you with expert procurement guidance and comprehensive service support.