A36 ASTM Strip Steel from Shanghai, China: Reliable Supply with FOB USA & CIF Shanghai Options

In global steel procurement, few products offer the versatility, affordability, and reliability of A36 ASTM strip steel. When sourced from a manufacturing powerhouse like Shanghai, China, buyers are guaranteed a balance of quality and cost-efficiency that few regions can match. With the added flexibility of international shipping options like FOB USA and CIF Shanghai, A36 strip steel becomes even more accessible to fabricators, builders, and manufacturers worldwide.

In this article, we’ll break down what makes A36 ASTM strip steel a go-to solution, why Shanghai is a top production hub, and how buyers can leverage FOB and CIF terms to streamline procurement and logistics.

What Is A36 ASTM Strip Steel?

A36 is one of the most recognized and widely used carbon steel grades under ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. It is commonly chosen for its reliable mechanical properties, excellent weldability, and cost-effective performance in structural and general-purpose applications.

When manufactured in strip form—a flat, narrow steel product produced in coils or cut lengths—A36 steel becomes ideal for high-speed fabrication, component manufacturing, and modular construction systems.

Technical Specifications

When specifying A36 strip steel for a project, it’s important to understand its core properties:

• Standard: ASTM A36

• Width: Commonly available in 1260mm and other custom widths

• Thickness: From 2.75mm to 3.5mm for versatile use

• Tensile Strength: 400–550 MPa

• Yield Strength: Minimum 250 MPa (36,000 psi)

• Elongation: 20% or more (depending on thickness)

• Finish: Hot-rolled or cold-rolled, dry or oiled

• Form: Coil or cut-to-length strip

• Edge Options: Mill edge or slit edge

Key Features of A36 Strip Steel

✔ Superior Formability

A36 steel maintains excellent ductility, making it easy to bend, cut, form, and punch—ideal for fabrication shops and high-volume production.

✔ Excellent Weldability

The low carbon content ensures A36 can be welded using all conventional processes without special preheating or treatments.

✔ Consistent Surface Quality

Strip steel from top Chinese mills often includes high-quality finishing that’s suitable for coating, painting, or further processing.

✔ Structural Strength

With solid mechanical properties and stable performance under stress, A36 is dependable for load-bearing and structural use cases.

Why Source A36 Strip Steel from Shanghai, China?

Shanghai is one of the most advanced industrial and shipping cities in the world, and it’s a central hub for China’s steel exports. The region hosts some of the country’s most respected producers, including Baosteel, Shagang Group, and a wide network of strip steel manufacturers specializing in carbon and alloy products.

Benefits of sourcing from Shanghai:

• World-class production quality adhering to ASTM, JIS, and EN standards

• Export-ready logistics, with easy access to Shanghai Port for global distribution

• Competitive pricing due to large-scale production and lower operating costs

• Flexible order quantities and customizable specs

• Expertise in global trade, with full documentation, inspection reports, and packaging compliance

Shanghai’s integrated supply chains and industrial efficiency make it a preferred location for international buyers looking for consistent steel supply.

FOB USA vs CIF Shanghai: What’s the Difference?

When importing steel, understanding Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) like FOB (Free on Board) and CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) helps buyers control costs and logistics more effectively.

FOB USA (Free on Board – U.S. Port)

In this arrangement, the seller (steel exporter) is responsible for:

• Producing the steel

• Inland transport in China

• Loading and shipping to a designated U.S. port

Once the goods reach the U.S. port, the buyer takes over responsibility for:

• Import clearance

• Customs duties

• Final delivery to their location

This option is ideal for U.S.-based buyers who want a hassle-free delivery to their nearest port and are familiar with domestic logistics.

Benefits:

• Turnkey shipping solution to U.S. ports

• Ideal for buyers without international freight experience

• Consolidated cost visibility up to arrival

CIF Shanghai (Cost, Insurance, Freight – Port of Shanghai)

With CIF Shanghai, the seller handles:

• Production and inland delivery to Shanghai Port

• Export documentation

• Marine insurance

The buyer is responsible for:

• Arranging the ocean freight from Shanghai to the final destination

• Customs duties and local delivery

CIF Shanghai is ideal for buyers who want to use their own freight agents, consolidate multiple shipments, or save on freight by negotiating better shipping rates.

Benefits:

• Flexible logistics and carrier choice

• Lower upfront supplier pricing

• Efficient consolidation for global buyers

Industries That Use A36 Strip Steel

Thanks to its strength, formability, and affordability, A36 strip steel is used in a wide range of industries:

• Construction: Base plates, studs, bracing, floor supports

• Automotive: Structural panels, brackets, mounting parts

• Agricultural Machinery: Panels, enclosures, structural parts

• Metal Fabrication: Frames, racks, shelving, gates

• Manufacturing: Chassis, guards, mechanical housing

Strip steel is particularly suited to high-speed automated processing like roll forming, stamping, and punching.

Sourcing Tips: How to Buy A36 Strip Steel from Shanghai

1. Identify Reliable Suppliers
   Look for manufacturers with export experience, ASTM certification, and ISO quality systems. Check reviews, export records, and testing capabilities.

2. Specify Your Needs Clearly
   Provide detailed requirements including width (e.g., 1260mm), thickness (2.75–3.5mm), edge type, finish (dry/oiled), and volume.

3. Request Certifications & Samples
   Before full-scale orders, ask for Mill Test Certificates (MTC), sample strips, and third-party inspection reports (SGS, BV).

4. Compare Pricing on FOB & CIF Terms
   Get quotes in both FOB USA and CIF Shanghai to evaluate cost differences and choose the most suitable logistics path.

5. Plan for Lead Time
   Account for production time, port schedules, and customs clearance. Many Shanghai suppliers offer lead times of 2–4 weeks for bulk orders.

Final Thoughts

A36 ASTM strip steel from Shanghai, China, represents the perfect blend of performance, affordability, and global accessibility. Whether you choose FOB USA for direct delivery or CIF Shanghai to manage your own logistics, Shanghai’s steel manufacturers deliver world-class quality at scale.

For structural work, fabrication, or equipment manufacturing, A36 strip steel offers unmatched value. When sourced from reliable Chinese suppliers, it can power your production with precision, efficiency, and long-term durability.