New Zealand’s Aluminium Extrusion Industry

New Zealand’s aluminium extrusion industry is calling for urgent government action as it faces growing pressure from low-priced imports. The Aluminium Extruders Association of NZ (ALENZ) says a rise in imported aluminium extrusions, particularly from China, is affecting local manufacturers, with some products entering the market at prices below the cost of the raw aluminium billet used by domestic producers.

ALENZ's analysis of Stats NZ trade data showed that imports comparable to products manufactured in New Zealand accounted for around 20-23 per cent of the domestic market each year between 2022 and 2025. During the first seven months of 2026, that increased to just over 25 per cent, reaching almost 35 per cent in July alone.

Monthly figures have fluctuated sharply, with the share higher in January before falling to around 14 per cent in March. However, the overall trend during 2026 has been upward. Collins said the July increase could reflect importers bringing in more material before any possible duties are imposed following the launch of the investigation.

Meanwhile, domestic aluminium extrusion production has declined from a peak of 39,500 tonnes in 2022 to 28,400 tonnes in 2025, a fall of around 28 per cent.

The increase in imports has been particularly sharp for hollow aluminium extrusions, which are widely used in windows, doors and construction framing. Imports in this category rose 109 per cent during the first seven months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, while imports from China increased 143 per cent. Imports under a separate category covering other extrusion profiles increased by 13 per cent.

Source: AlCircle