INDUSTRY UPDATE · 15 OCTOBER 2026

Aluminium Window Import Measures: Why Compare Local Fabrication in Canberra?

If you are comparing local and imported aluminium windows and doors for an upcoming project, there is a new development to factor into your decision. Provisional import measures affecting certain products from China take effect from 15 October 2026.

For Canberra builders and homeowners, this is a useful time to check what an imported quote includes and request a current comparison from a local fabricator. At Performance Windows, we supply, fabricate and install aluminium windows and doors from our Fyshwick base, with direct communication and local after-sales support.

Explore window and door options at the Performance Windows showroom in Fyshwick.

What has changed for certain imports from China?

The Australian Trade Remedies Commission’s Trade Remedies Notice 2026/147, issued on 14 October, requires securities from importers for covered goods entered for home consumption on or after 15 October 2026. These securities relate to interim dumping and countervailing duties that may become payable.

The notice lists exporter-specific effective security rates from 5.3% to 73.3%, with no security imposed on Altop. These are provisional measures while the investigation continues, rather than a final tariff decision.

There is no single percentage increase that applies to every imported window quote. The listed rates should not be applied to the full installed project price; the notice also cautions that actual security liability can vary.

The investigation covers certain fully or partly assembled aluminium windows and doors, including unglazed assemblies, within specified dimensions. Curtain wall products are excluded. For the full product definition and current documents, see the official Investigation 691 page.

Before accepting an imported quote, ask what is included

An older quote may have been prepared before the new measures were announced. A current quote should make its inclusions, exclusions and assumptions clear enough for you to understand the price you are accepting.

Ask the supplier to confirm in writing:

Whether the proposed products and exporter are affected by the measures.
Whether the quoted price includes any applicable import securities or charges, and who is responsible for them.
Whether the price is fixed, how long it remains valid and what could trigger an adjustment.
What delivery and installation dates are being offered, and which approvals or site conditions those dates depend on.

The purpose is to understand the complete proposal before you commit. A clear written response also gives your builder or project manager a firmer basis for comparing alternatives.

Why compare locally fabricated aluminium windows in Canberra?

Price matters, but the window and door package also needs to work with the building, the installation sequence and the people who will use it. Local fabrication gives you another option to assess against the same project brief.

Discuss the specification directly

Performance Windows brings together system selection, fabrication and installation. You can discuss opening styles, glazing, hardware, screens and finishes with our team, then confirm the proposed package against your plans. Browse our aluminium window and door range before preparing your enquiry.

See the options before deciding

A showroom visit can help you compare how different doors move, how frames look and how hardware feels in use. Bring your drawings, photographs or opening schedule so the discussion stays focused on your own project.

Know who to contact after installation

Ask about handover information, maintenance, warranty terms and the process for requesting assistance. Local after-sales support and a clear point of contact are useful parts of the comparison alongside the product itself.

Downer Residence, a Performance Windows project: a home by Freedom Built, with building design by Elevation 7.

See more completed residential and commercial work in our project gallery. For practical product-selection questions, read our guide to choosing aluminium windows and doors.

Compare the same window and door package

A useful comparison starts with equivalent specifications and responsibilities. Ask each supplier to describe the same scope, rather than comparing two totals that include different work.

Products: system names, opening sizes, configurations and operation.
Glazing and performance: glass specification and relevant whole-window performance information for the proposed configuration.
Selections: frame finish, hardware, screens and any specialist requirements in the project brief.
Installation: supply-only or supply-and-install, measurement responsibility, access, removal, disposal and making good where required.
Commercial terms: GST, freight, applicable import charges, payment stages, quote validity, exclusions and warranty terms.
Timing: the proposed fabrication, delivery and installation schedule, including its dependencies.

If you have already compared local and imported options, an updated quote may be worthwhile. Keep the drawings and specification consistent so any price difference is easier to understand.

A practical next step for builders

For upcoming residential or commercial projects, send your current window schedule, relevant drawings, project location and required installation period. Identify any fixed milestones and any selections still awaiting approval.

We can review the brief, discuss suitable systems and advise on pricing and availability for the proposed scope. Fabrication and installation timing needs to be confirmed for each project, based on the specification, approvals, materials and scheduling.

Questions before requesting a quote

Will a locally fabricated option always cost less?

The comparison depends on your specification and what each proposal includes. Request current pricing for an equivalent package and weigh installation scope, communication, support and timing alongside the total.

What should I send Performance Windows?

Start with the project address, plans or opening sizes, your preferred window and door styles, any nominated performance requirements and your intended timing. For replacements, photographs of the existing openings can help explain the scope.

Can you confirm a delivery or installation date?

Contact our team with your project details so we can assess availability. Confirm the agreed schedule and its dependencies in writing before relying on it for other trades or project milestones.

Request an updated local quote

Fabricated right here in Canberra. Performance Windows offers locally fabricated aluminium windows and doors, professional installation and local after-sales support. If you are reviewing suppliers or revisiting an earlier comparison, speak with us about your project.

Visit our showroom at 58 Townsville Street, Fyshwick ACT 2609, call (02) 6226 2881, or request a quote online. Contact us ahead of your visit to discuss your requirements.

Industry information checked on 15 October 2026. The investigation is ongoing; refer to the official case page for subsequent notices and updates.