If you are sourcing Copper Nickel 90/10 tube, price is always a top question. But here is the truth： there is no fixed price list for C70600 tube. Prices change with raw material costs, order quantity, tube size, wall thickness, and delivery location. A price that works today may not work next month.
What is the current price range for Copper Nickel 90/10 tube?
Price range by region：
| Region | Typical price per ton (USD) | Typical price per kg (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| China (domestic) | 2,500 – 4,000 | 2.5 – 4.0 |
| China (export) | 2,800 – 4,500 | 2.8 – 4.5 |
| Europe | 6,000 – 9,000 | 6.0 – 9.0 |
| USA | 7,000 – 10,000 | 7.0 – 10.0 |
What factors affect C70600 tube price the most?
Nickel price is the biggest factor. Tube size and wall thickness are the second biggest. Here is how each factor changes your cost.
Factor 1 – Raw material (nickel and copper prices)
C70600 contains 9-11% nickel. When nickel price goes up, tube price goes up.
Copper is the base metal. Copper price also affects cost.
Check London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel and copper prices as a benchmark.
Factor 2 – Tube diameter and wall thickness
Small OD tubes (6-12mm) cost more per kg than medium OD (15-25mm)
Very thin wall (BWG 22-20) costs more due to higher rejection rate
Very thick wall (BWG 14-10) costs more because of slower production
Factor 3 – Order quantity
Full mill quantity (3-5 tons per size) gives the lowest per‑kg price
Small quantity (under 500kg) has higher per‑kg price
Stock items are cheaper than custom production
Factor 4 – Standard vs special
Standard ASTM B111 dimensions are cheaper
Non‑standard OD or wall thickness requires custom tooling at higher cost
Price comparison by tube size and BWG
Small OD tubes and very thin wall tubes cost more per kg. Medium sizes (1/2" to 1") in BWG 18-16 give the best value.
| Tube size (OD) | Common BWG | Relative price per kg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" (6.35mm) | BWG 20, 18 | 1.3x – 1.4x | Small OD, slower production |
| 3/8" (9.53mm) | BWG 20, 18 | 1.2x – 1.3x | Still small, higher cost |
| 1/2" (12.7mm) | BWG 18, 16 | 1.0x (baseline) | Best value size |
| 5/8" (15.88mm) | BWG 18, 16 | 1.0x | Same as baseline |
| 3/4" (19.05mm) | BWG 18, 16 | 1.0x – 1.1x | Very common, good price |
| 7/8" (22.23mm) | BWG 18, 16 | 1.0x – 1.1x | Good price |
| 1" (25.4mm) | BWG 18, 16 | 1.0x – 1.1x | Good price |
| 1-1/4" (31.75mm) | BWG 14, 16 | 1.1x – 1.2x | Larger OD, more material |
| 1-1/2" (38.1mm) | BWG 14, 12 | 1.2x – 1.3x | Less common |
| 2" (50.8mm) | BWG 14, 12 | 1.3x – 1.5x | Special order often |
Price comparison by order quantity
Larger orders get lower per‑kg prices. Small orders under 500kg pay a premium.
| Order quantity (per size) | Typical price premium | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sample (under 50kg) | +100-200% | Testing only, not production |
| Small (50-500kg) | +30-50% | Small repairs, prototype |
| Medium (500-2000kg) | +10-20% | Small projects |
| Mill quantity (2-5 tons) | Baseline (0%) | Production runs |
| Large quantity (5+ tons per size) | -5-10% | Large projects |
How to get the best price for C70600 tube?
Here are 5 proven ways to lower your cost on Copper Nickel 90/10 tube.
1. Order stock sizes, not custom
Stock OD： 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 1"
Stock BWG： 18, 16
Stock length： 6m
Any deviation adds 10-20% to price
2. Buy during low nickel prices
Nickel price fluctuates between 15,000 and 25,000 USD/ton on LME
Buy when nickel is below 18,000 USD/ton
Ask your supplier for pricing tied to LME
3. Combine multiple diameters into one PO
One purchase order with 3 sizes at 2 tons each is better than 3 separate POs
Supplier saves on paperwork and setup
4. Ask for stock availability before ordering custom
Many sizes are stocked in China
Stock items ship in 7-10 days
Custom production takes 20-30 days
5. Consider looser tolerances if allowed
ASTM B111 already has tight tolerances
Tighter than standard adds 15-25% to price
Most applications do not need tighter than standard
FAQ
Q1： Why is there no fixed price list for C70600 tube?
Because nickel and copper prices change daily on the London Metal Exchange (LME). C70600 contains 9-11% nickel and about 88% copper. When LME nickel moves from 18,000 USD/ton to 22,000 USD/ton, tube prices move with it. Most suppliers issue price lists valid for 7-30 days only. For a current quote, you need to contact a supplier directly with your size, quantity, and delivery location.
Q2： How much does C70600 tube cost per kg in 2026?
From Chinese mills, expect 2.50 to 4.50 USD per kg depending on size and quantity. From European or US mills, expect 6.00 to 10.00 USD per kg. The wide range comes from size (small OD costs more), quantity (small orders cost more), and additional services (cutting, threading, coating). Always ask for a quote based on your exact specification.
Q3： Is Chinese C70600 tube quality the same as European or US tube?
Yes, when produced to ASTM B111 standard and tested properly. Chemistry, mechanical properties, and dimensional tolerances are the same regardless of mill location. Reputable Chinese mills provide Mill Test Reports (MTR) and submit to third party inspection (SGS, BV, Lloyds). The price difference reflects labor, energy, and overhead costs, not quality.
Q4： Which is cheaper BWG 18 or BWG 16 tube?
BWG 18 is cheaper because it uses less material per meter. BWG 18 wall is 1.24mm. BWG 16 wall is 1.65mm. For the same OD, a BWG 16 tube weighs about 25-30% more. Since price is per kg, BWG 16 costs 25-30% more per meter. However, per kg price is similar. Choose the wall thickness your design requires, not the cheaper one.
Q5： Does ordering longer tubes reduce price per kg?
Slightly, because cutting and end finishing cost less per kg. A 12m tube costs about the same per kg as a 6m tube. However, you pay for the extra material. The real saving is in freight： longer tubes mean fewer cuts but may require special trucking. Most buyers stick with 6m standard lengths for balance of cost and handling.
Q6： How much extra for eddy current testing?
Eddy current testing is included in ASTM B111 at no extra charge. B111 requires 100% eddy current testing for seamless tubes. Some suppliers may quote it separately, but it is a standard requirement. If a supplier charges extra for eddy current, question whether they are offering genuine ASTM B111 tube.
Q7： How much extra for hydrostatic testing instead of eddy current?
Hydrostatic testing adds 5-10% to tube price. It is slower than eddy current. Hydrostatic testing is optional under ASTM B111 if eddy current is performed. Some customers require both. If you need hydrostatic testing, expect a small premium.
Q8： Does packaging affect price?
Yes. Wooden cases cost more than steel bundles. Standard export packaging (steel bundle + pallet + shrink wrap + end caps) is included in most quotes. If you require wooden cases for small diameter or fragile tubes, add 5-10% to price. If you require special coatings (epoxy, lacquer), add 15-30%.
Q9： How do I get a firm price for C70600 tube?
Send a detailed RFQ with these items to multiple suppliers：
Standard (ASTM B111)
Grade (C70600)
OD and wall thickness (e.g., 3/4" OD x BWG 18)
Temper (Annealed O60)
Length (e.g., 6m cut length)
Quantity (total kg or number of tubes)
Delivery location (port or warehouse)
Required certificates (MTR, third party inspection)
With this information, suppliers can quote firm prices valid 7-30 days.
Our Product Range
| Category | Shapes | Size range | Common grades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper tube | Round, square, rectangular, pancake coil, inner grooved | OD 3-219mm, wall 0.3-10mm | C11000, C12200, C70600, C71500, C26000 |
| Copper rod | Round, hex, square | Dia 2-120mm | C11000, C36000, C14500, C18200 |
| Copper wire | Round, flat, tinned | Dia 0.1-12mm | C11000, C16200, C17200 |
| Copper strip | Coiled, slit | Thk 0.05-3mm, width 5-400mm | C11000, C19400, C70250 |
| Copper foil | Thin foil | Thk 0.01-0.1mm | C11000, C10200 |
| CNC machined parts | Bushings, flanges, fittings, nuts | Custom drawing | C36000, C63000, C70600 |
Our Factory Equipment
From raw material to finished tube in one plant：
Melting (3 furnaces, 5 tons each) → turns copper + nickel + iron into liquid alloy
Casting (2 lines) → pours liquid into solid billet, 80-220mm diameter
Extrusion (3500 ton press) → punches billet into hollow tube shell
Cold drawing (8 benches) → pulls shell through dies to shrink OD and wall
Annealing (4 furnaces) → heats tube to 600°C to soften after drawing
Straightening & cutting (3 lines) → makes tube straight and cuts to length
Testing (2 eddy current machines) → 100% inspection
