Invoice Surcharge (ISC) - Effective 1 May 2026
Overview
Due to ongoing volatility in global aluminium markets and associated costs, UNEX Systems introduced an Invoice Surcharge (ISC) on orders from 1 May 2026.
The ISC allows us to respond to changing cost pressures without continually revising our base price lists.
Current ISC: 12%
While the September ISC was previously advised at 18.2%, UNEX has reduced the ISC to 12% for the remainder of September and throughout October 2026.
Market pressures remain, but we recognise the impact these higher costs have on our fabricators and their customers. To help, UNEX is sharing some of these additional costs during this period.
Why is this necessary?
Several key factors are driving significant cost increases:
Aluminium pricing (LME)
Global aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange have risen sharply - by as much as 24% - and remain elevated, placing sustained pressure on raw material costs.
Exchange rate (NZD/USD)
The New Zealand dollar remains weak against the US dollar, increasing the landed cost of imported materials, with forecasts suggesting further softening.
Freight and logistics
Shipping and logistics costs continue to remain high, adding further pressure across the supply chain.
What this means for you
- An Invoice Surcharge (ISC) will be applied to all invoices from 1 May 2026
- The surcharge will appear as a separate line item on each invoice
- The ISC percentage will be:
- Reviewed monthly
- Advised in advance for the following month
Current and forecast surcharge
- May 2026 ISC: 4.7%
- Example: A $1,000 invoice will include a $47 surcharge
- June 2026 ISC: 11.1%
- Example: A $1,000 invoice will include a $111 surcharge
- July 2026 ISC: 16.2%
- Example: A $1,000 invoice will include a $162 surcharge
- August 2026 ISC: 19.8%
- Example: A $1,000 invoice will include a $198 surcharge
- September 2026 ISC: Previously advised at 18.2%; reduced to 12% for the remainder of September
- October 2026 ISC: 12%Â
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- Example: A $1,000 invoice will include a $120 surcharge
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- This is based on early guidance from key aluminium suppliers
- Due to market volatility, these figures may change
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Important Recommendations for Resellers and Installers
We strongly recommend that customers:
- Allow for the ISC in current quotations
- Include provisions in contracts and project pricing
- Pass these costs through where applicable
We recognise that this is not an ideal situation and appreciate your understanding.
Our goal is to remain transparent and responsive while continuing to support your business through changing market conditions.
Looking ahead
In November, UNEX will be releasing a new price list, which will replace the current pricing structure.
More information will be communicated during October, giving our fabricators time to prepare for the change.
We appreciate your continued support and remain committed to being transparent around pricing while helping our customers navigate changing market conditions.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss how the ISC applies to your orders, please get in touch.
