"How much does sandwich panel cost per square meter?" is the first question most buyers ask — and the hardest to answer without more context. The sandwich panel price per square meter varies by a factor of 3× or more depending on core type, thickness, steel specification, and order volume. This guide gives you realistic 2026 price ranges for EPS, rock wool, PIR, and glass wool panels from Chinese manufacturers, explains what drives the cost differences, and shows you how to compare FOB and CIF quotes accurately.
A quote of $8/m² and a quote of $22/m² can both be for "100mm sandwich panel" — and both can be legitimate. The difference lies in four variables that are almost never stated clearly in a first quotation:
EPS foam is the cheapest core. Rock wool (mineral wool) costs more due to its 120 kg/m³ density. PIR sits in between but uses more expensive polyisocyanurate chemistry. Glass wool is niche and priced similarly to rock wool.
Steel is typically 50–60% of total panel cost. A 0.426 mm galvanised sheet with polyester coating is far cheaper than a 0.6 mm AZ150 substrate with PVDF coating. Both get quoted as "colour steel sandwich panel."
More core material = higher cost, but the relationship is not linear. The steel face sheet cost stays constant — so a 50mm panel and a 100mm panel of the same type may differ by only 20–30% in price, not 100%.
Factory minimums typically start at one container (roughly 500–800 m² depending on thickness). Volume discounts become significant above 3,000–5,000 m². Project orders of 20,000 m²+ attract the best pricing — often 10–18% below catalogue rate.
The table below shows indicative FOB China price ranges for standard-specification panels at moderate order volumes (1,000–5,000 m²). Prices are in USD per square metre. Steel specification: 0.5 mm outer / 0.426 mm inner, standard polyester coating, RAL 9002 or 9003.
| Panel Type | 50 mm | 75–80 mm | 100 mm | 150 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) | $7–10 | $8–12 | $9–14 | $12–17 |
| PIR (Polyisocyanurate) | $10–14 | $12–16 | $14–19 | $18–24 |
| Rock Wool (Mineral Wool) | $13–17 | $15–20 | $17–23 | $22–30 |
| Glass Wool | $12–16 | $14–19 | $16–22 | $20–28 |
Note: The price range above is for reference only and does not represent the actual price. Actual prices vary with steel market fluctuations, coating upgrade, custom RAL colour, panel length, and delivery terms. Request a project-specific quote for your exact specification.
Once you have a base price, these specification upgrades add cost. Knowing the approximate premium helps you decide what to include in your specification:
| Specification Change | Typical Price Impact |
|---|---|
| Upgrade to 0.6 mm outer sheet | It depends on the circumstances. |
| PVDF coating (vs standard polyester) | It depends on the circumstances. |
| AZ150 aluminium-zinc substrate (vs standard GI) | It depends on the circumstances. |
| Custom RAL colour (non-standard) | It depends on the circumstances. |
| Non-standard panel length (> 9 m) | It depends on the circumstances. |
| Small order (< 500 m², single container) | +10–20% vs project rate · setup cost amortised |
Most Chinese manufacturers quote FOB (Free On Board) — the price covers goods packed and loaded onto the vessel at the Chinese port. Freight, insurance, and destination charges are your responsibility. CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) quotes include these costs to your named port.
For Southeast Asia and South America buyers: Freight from China to Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, or Santos (Brazil) typically adds little to the FOB price on a full container load (FCL), depending on route and season. Always request the FOB price first so you can compare product cost fairly across suppliers, then get your own freight quote to calculate the true landed cost.
A vague enquiry gets a vague price. Suppliers quote wide ranges when they don't know your specification — and the low end of that range is usually not what you'll actually pay. To get an accurate, comparable quote, provide these five pieces of information upfront:
Tell us your panel type, thickness, quantity, and destination port — we'll send you a detailed FOB and CIF price within 24 hours, with full material specification included.
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