With Aluminium Foil Price, A straightforward pricing reference for households, food service buyers, and industrial purchasers — covering retail prices, wholesale rates, price per kg and per ton, foil grades, and what drives cost up or down.
How Much Does Aluminum Foil Cost? — The Short Answer
Aluminum foil prices vary widely depending on thickness, roll size, grade, and where you buy. Here is a quick reference before diving into detail.
| Format | Typical Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard household roll (75 sq ft) | $3.50 – $6.00 | Retail, major supermarkets |
| Heavy duty household roll (75 sq ft) | $5.00 – $9.00 | Retail, Walmart / grocery |
| Standard roll (200 sq ft) | $7.00 – $13.00 | Retail bulk format |
| Heavy duty roll (200 sq ft) | $10.00 – $18.00 | Retail / club stores |
| Commercial heavy duty (1,000 sq ft) | $28.00 – $55.00 | Food service supply |
| Wholesale / bulk (per kg) | $3.50 – $7.00/kg | Depends on grade + thickness |
| Industrial roll (per ton) | $3,200 – $4,800/ton | FOB factory, varies with LME price |
| Foil cups / containers (per 1,000 pcs) | $18 – $80 | Depends on size + gauge |
Prices above reflect approximate 2024–2025 levels. They move with the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminum price, which changes daily.
What Drives Aluminum Foil Pricing?
Raw Material Cost — LME Aluminum Price
Aluminum foil starts as primary aluminum ingot. The LME aluminum spot price is the single biggest input cost. When LME prices rise, foil prices follow within 4–8 weeks as contracts roll over.
| LME Aluminum Level (USD/ton) | Approximate Effect on Foil Price |
|---|---|
| Below $2,000 | Lower foil prices — favourable for buyers |
| $2,000 – $2,500 | Mid-range — typical trading conditions |
| $2,500 – $3,000 | Higher foil cost — buyers feel pressure |
| Above $3,000 | Significantly elevated pricing — check contracts |
Aluminium Foil Prices Thickness — The Biggest Price Variable
Thicker foil uses more aluminum per square meter. Cost rises almost linearly with thickness.
| Thickness (µm) | Relative Cost vs. 9 µm |
|---|---|
| 9 µm (ultra-thin, industrial) | Baseline |
| 11 – 12 µm (standard household) | +20 – 30% |
| 15 µm (heavy duty household) | +50 – 65% |
| 18 – 20 µm (commercial heavy duty) | +80 – 100% |
| 25 – 30 µm (industrial / packaging) | +130 – 180% |
Aluminium Foil Prices Other Cost Factors
- Alloy grade — 1235, 8011, and 8079 have slightly different raw material costs
- Surface treatment — lacquered, coated, or printed foil costs more than plain
- Roll width and length — wider rolls require wider mills; longer rolls reduce changeover waste
- Order quantity — larger orders get better per-unit pricing
- Shipping origin — Chinese-origin foil is typically cheaper; US or European-made foil carries a premium
- Tariffs — import duties add directly to landed cost
Retail Prices — What You Pay at Walmart and Grocery Stores
Most consumers buy aluminum foil at supermarkets, warehouse clubs, or online. Here is how retail pricing breaks down in the US market.
Standard and Heavy Duty Household Rolls
| Product | Size | Approximate Retail Price | Price per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reynolds Wrap Standard | 75 sq ft | $4.50 – $5.50 | $0.060 – $0.073 |
| Reynolds Wrap Heavy Duty | 75 sq ft | $6.50 – $8.00 | $0.087 – $0.107 |
| Great Value (Walmart) Standard | 75 sq ft | $3.50 – $4.50 | $0.047 – $0.060 |
| Great Value (Walmart) Heavy Duty | 75 sq ft | $5.00 – $6.50 | $0.067 – $0.087 |
| Reynolds Wrap Standard | 200 sq ft | $8.00 – $11.00 | $0.040 – $0.055 |
| Reynolds Wrap Heavy Duty | 200 sq ft | $12.00 – $16.00 | $0.060 – $0.080 |
| Costco Kirkland Standard | 250 sq ft (2-pack) | $14.00 – $18.00 | $0.028 – $0.036 |
Buying larger rolls almost always lowers the price per square foot. A 200 sq ft roll of the same brand typically costs 20–30% less per sq ft than the 75 sq ft version.
Price per Square Foot — Is It Worth Comparing?
Price per square foot is the most useful comparison metric for household buyers. A cheaper roll per unit can be more expensive per sq ft than a larger competing roll.
| Format | Total Price | Price per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 75 sq ft standard roll | $4.50 | $0.060 |
| 200 sq ft standard roll | $9.00 | $0.045 |
| Club store 250 sq ft (single) | $7.00 | $0.028 |
The club store or bulk format wins on per-unit cost every time — if you have storage space.
Commercial and Food Service Pricing
Food service buyers — restaurants, caterers, hotels, and institutions — buy in commercial formats. These are much larger rolls with heavier gauge foil.
Commercial Roll Formats and Prices
| Format | Width | Length | Gauge | Approx. Price | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard commercial | 12 inch | 1,000 ft | 0.00035 inch | $28 – $40 | General food wrap |
| Heavy duty commercial | 12 inch | 500 ft | 0.00094 inch | $30 – $45 | Roasting, grilling, steam tables |
| Extra heavy duty | 18 inch | 500 ft | 0.00150 inch | $40 – $65 | High-temp cooking, steam pans |
| Steam table pan liner | 24 inch | 500 ft | 0.00094 inch | $45 – $70 | Hotel pans, catering trays |
| Pop-up foil sheets | 200 sheets/box | — | Standard | $12 – $20/box | Deli, sandwich wrap |
| Pre-cut sheets | 500 / 1,000 sheets | — | Heavy duty | $18 – $45/box | Takeaway, food prep |
Commercial buyers who purchase through a food service distributor (Sysco, US Foods, etc.) typically pay 15–25% less than buying the same product at retail.
Wholesale and Industrial Prices — Per Kg and Per Ton
Industrial buyers — packaging converters, food manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies — buy aluminum foil by weight, not by roll.
Wholesale Price per Kg (2024–2025 Indicative)
| Product Grade | Thickness | Price per kg (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain foil (1235-O) | 9 – 12 µm | $3.50 – $4.50 | Thin gauge, packaging / laminating |
| Plain foil (8011-O) | 15 – 20 µm | $3.80 – $5.00 | Standard household / food service grade |
| Plain foil (8011-O) | 25 – 30 µm | $4.20 – $5.50 | Heavy duty, semi-rigid containers |
| Lacquered foil | 15 – 25 µm | $4.50 – $6.50 | Printed / coated for lidding |
| Colour-coated foil | 12 – 20 µm | $5.00 – $7.50 | Decorative and packaging foil |
| Battery-grade foil (1060/1070) | 12 – 16 µm | $5.50 – $9.00 | EV and electronics battery use |
| Pharmaceutical foil (1235/8079) | 20 – 25 µm | $5.00 – $8.00 | Blister pack, sterile packaging |
Price per Ton — Bulk Industrial Buying
| Grade / Alloy | Thickness | Price per Ton (USD, FOB) | Min. Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1235-O (packaging foil) | 9 – 15 µm | $3,200 – $4,200 | 3 tons |
| 8011-O (household foil) | 11 – 20 µm | $3,400 – $4,500 | 5 tons |
| 8011-H18 (container foil) | 30 – 80 µm | $3,600 – $4,800 | 3 tons |
| 1100-O (general purpose) | 20 – 50 µm | $3,300 – $4,400 | 5 tons |
| 8079-O (pharma / barrier) | 9 – 25 µm | $3,800 – $5,200 | 3 tons |
| 1060-H18 (battery foil) | 12 – 16 µm | $4,500 – $6,500 | 5 tons |
Prices are indicative for 2024–2025. Actual prices depend on LME date, order volume, origin, and currency. Always get a current quote.
Aluminum Foil Prices by Region
Prices vary significantly by geography. Shipping cost, import duty, and local market conditions all play a role.
Regional Price Comparison (per kg, approximate 2024–2025)
| Region | Standard Household Foil | Heavy Duty / Commercial | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $4.50 – $6.50/kg | $5.50 – $8.00/kg | 10–25% Section 232 tariff applies to imports |
| European Union | €4.00 – €6.00/kg | €5.00 – €7.50/kg | Anti-dumping duties on Chinese foil in some categories |
| United Kingdom | £3.80 – £5.80/kg | £4.80 – £7.00/kg | Post-Brexit import rules apply |
| Kenya / East Africa | $5.50 – $9.00/kg | $7.00 – $12.00/kg | Import duty + freight from Asia adds cost |
| India | ₹280 – ₹420/kg | ₹360 – ₹550/kg | Domestic production + import competition |
| China (domestic) | ¥28 – ¥38/kg | ¥32 – ¥46/kg | Lowest cost — origin market |
| Middle East | $4.80 – $7.00/kg | $6.00 – $9.00/kg | Gulf states have low import duties |
Aluminium Foil Prices in Kenya
Kenya imports most of its aluminum foil from China, India, and the UAE. The landed cost includes freight, port charges, and Kenya Revenue Authority import duty (currently 25% on most aluminum products). This makes Kenyan retail and wholesale prices significantly higher than Asian factory prices.
Typical wholesale price in Nairobi for standard household foil runs KES 500–900 per kg (approximately $4–7 USD/kg). Commercial and heavy duty grades run KES 700–1,200 per kg.
Foil Container and Cup Prices
Aluminum foil containers and cups are priced per piece or per thousand. Size, gauge, and order quantity are the main variables.
| Product | Size | Gauge (µm) | Price per 1,000 pcs (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round foil cup (small) | 4 oz / 120ml | 40 – 50 | $18 – $28 |
| Round foil cup (medium) | 8 oz / 240ml | 50 – 60 | $25 – $40 |
| Foil tart tin | 3 inch | 50 | $20 – $35 |
| Oblong container (small) | 500ml | 60 – 70 | $30 – $50 |
| Oblong container (large) | 1,000ml | 70 – 80 | $40 – $65 |
| Half-size steam table pan | 1/2 size | 80 – 100 | $55 – $90 |
| Full-size steam table pan | Full size | 100 – 120 | $80 – $130 |
| Pie dish | 9 inch | 60 – 80 | $35 – $60 |
| Loaf pan | Standard | 80 | $40 – $70 |
Minimum orders for foil containers are typically 1,000 to 10,000 pieces. Buying in full carton lots saves 10–20% vs. buying part cartons.
Product Types — Different Foils at Different Price Points
Standard Household Foil
Thin gauge (11–12 µm), typically 8011-O alloy. Sold in 75 sq ft and 150–200 sq ft rolls. The cheapest per-roll price but not the cheapest per sq ft if bought in small rolls. Used for food wrapping, covering bowls, and light cooking.
Heavy Duty Household Foil
Thicker gauge (14–18 µm). Stronger, resists tearing, holds up on the grill. Costs 30–60% more per roll than standard. Worth the extra cost for cooking applications where tears cause problems.
Extra Heavy Duty / Commercial Grade
18–25 µm gauge. Used in restaurant kitchens, catering operations, and institutional food service. Sold in 500–1,000 ft commercial rolls. Significantly more cost-effective per sq ft than retail rolls for high-volume users.
Non-Stick Foil
Standard foil with a non-stick coating on one side. Costs roughly 50–80% more than plain foil of the same size. Eliminates the need for cooking spray and prevents food from sticking to the foil surface.
Pre-Cut Foil Sheets
Individual sheets cut to standard sizes (12×10.75 inch, 12×12 inch, etc.). Convenient for deli counters, sandwich shops, and food prep lines. More expensive per sq ft than roll format but saves time in high-throughput kitchens.
Colored and Decorative Foil
Printed or colored foil for gift wrapping, catering presentation, and craft use. Costs 2–4× the price of plain foil. Not intended for cooking or food contact in most cases.
Foil Grade and Alloy — How They Affect Price
| Alloy | Common Use | Purity | Relative Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8011-O | Household and food service foil | 98.7% Al | $ (baseline) |
| 1235-O | Packaging, laminating, capacitor foil | 99.35% Al | $$ |
| 1100-O | General packaging, semi-rigid containers | 99.0% Al | $$ |
| 8079-O | Pharmaceutical blister, high-barrier | 98.5% Al | $$$ |
| 1060-H18 | Battery current collector | 99.6% Al | $$$$ |
| 1070-H18 | Premium battery foil | 99.7% Al | $$$$$ |
For household and food service use, 8011 is the standard. Higher purity alloys like 1060 and 1070 are for industrial applications and cost significantly more — they are not relevant for kitchen use.
Will Aluminum Foil Prices Go Up with Tariffs?
This is one of the most-searched questions in 2025. The answer is: it depends on where you are buying and where the foil comes from.
US Market — Section 232 and Trade Policy
The US has applied Section 232 tariffs (10–25%) on aluminum imports since 2018. These tariffs apply to foil imported from most countries except those with exemptions. The practical effect is that imported foil costs 10–25% more than it would without the tariff.
If tariffs increase further — which has been discussed in 2024–2025 trade policy debates — retail and food service prices would likely rise within one to two quarters as importers pass on the extra cost.
What Buyers Can Do
- Buy ahead when prices are stable and storage allows
- Switch to domestic-made foil where available — it is not subject to import tariffs
- Lock in contracts at fixed prices when LME is low
- Increase roll size — larger rolls have lower cost per sq ft regardless of tariff level
Aluminum Foil Price Chart — Historical Context
Foil prices track LME aluminum closely with a lag of 4–8 weeks. The chart below shows approximate foil price trends at the wholesale level (per ton, FOB China).
| Year | LME Al (avg. USD/ton) | Wholesale Foil (approx. USD/ton) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,700 | $2,800 – $3,200 | COVID demand disruption |
| 2021 | $2,480 | $3,500 – $4,200 | Post-COVID demand surge |
| 2022 | $2,700 | $4,000 – $5,200 | Energy crisis, peak pricing |
| 2023 | $2,250 | $3,500 – $4,500 | Normalization |
| 2024 | $2,400 | $3,600 – $4,800 | Steady, tariff concerns |
| 2025 (est.) | $2,300 – $2,600 | $3,500 – $4,800 | Tariff uncertainty |
The 2022 spike was driven by the European energy crisis, which shut down or reduced output at several aluminum smelters. Energy is a major input cost for aluminum production.
Frequently Asked Questions
How expensive is aluminum foil?
Household Context A standard 75 sq ft roll costs $3.50–$6.00 at most US retailers. Heavy duty runs $5.00–$9.00 for the same size. This works out to roughly $0.05–$0.10 per sq ft depending on brand and format.
Industrial Context At the wholesale level, standard foil runs $3.50–$5.00 per kg or $3,200–$4,500 per ton. Industrial buyers pay far less per unit than household consumers because they eliminate retail markup, packaging, and distributor margin.
How much does aluminum foil cost at Walmart?
Current Walmart Pricing (Approximate) Great Value standard 75 sq ft: $3.50–$4.50. Reynolds Wrap standard 75 sq ft: $4.50–$5.50. Reynolds Wrap Heavy Duty 75 sq ft: $6.50–$8.00. Prices vary by store location and time of year.
Best Value at Walmart The largest roll available gives the best per sq ft price. Check the unit price label on the shelf — Walmart displays price per sq ft for foil products.
What is the price of aluminium foil per kg?
Retail Level At retail, household foil works out to roughly $8–$15 per kg when you factor in the packaging and retail margin. A 75 sq ft roll weighing about 100–150g costs $4–$6, which equates to $27–$40 per kg at retail rates.
Wholesale Level Wholesale prices for standard 8011-O foil are $3.50–$5.50 per kg. Premium grades (pharma, battery) run $5.00–$9.00 per kg. Prices depend on alloy, thickness, order quantity, and LME price on the date of order.
What is the aluminum foil price per pound?
Quick Conversion 1 kg = 2.205 lb. At $4.00/kg wholesale, that equals approximately $1.81/lb. At $5.00/kg, it equals $2.27/lb.
Retail Equivalent At retail pricing ($10–$15/kg equivalent), foil costs $4.50–$6.80 per pound. This is why industrial buyers who can purchase by weight save substantially over buying retail rolls.
Will aluminum foil go up in price with tariffs?
Short Answer — Probably Yes for Imported Foil If US tariffs on aluminum imports increase from current levels, foil prices at retail and food service would likely rise 5–20% within one to two quarters. Domestic US foil production is limited, so most foil sold in the US has some import content.
Factors That Limit the Impact Not all foil is imported. Some is made domestically. Long-term supply contracts can lock in prices. Buyers who stock up when prices are stable avoid short-term spikes.
Why is heavy duty foil more expensive than standard?
Thickness Is the Reason Heavy duty foil is typically 14–18 µm thick compared to 11–12 µm for standard. More aluminum per square foot = higher material cost. The manufacturing process is the same — it is purely a weight difference.
Is It Worth the Extra Cost? For cooking — especially grilling, roasting, and covering dishes in a hot oven — heavy duty is worth it. Standard foil tears more easily under heat and weight. For simply covering a bowl in the refrigerator, standard foil is sufficient.
How much does aluminium foil cost in Kenya?
Import-Dependent Market Kenya imports most foil from China, India, and the UAE. The cost includes factory price, freight to Mombasa, port handling, and 25% import duty. This pushes final wholesale prices to KES 500–900 per kg for standard grade and KES 700–1,200 per kg for commercial grades.
Retail Pricing in Kenya A small household roll (typically 30–50 sq ft) retails for KES 150–350 at supermarkets. Larger commercial rolls for food service cost KES 2,000–6,000 depending on size and gauge.