Price Analysis of Jerrycan Molds for Extrusion Blow Molding Machines

1. Introduction

Jerrycan molds for extrusion blow molding machines are core components in the production of plastic jerrycans, which are widely used in packaging fields such as chemicals, lubricants, and water storage. The price of these molds varies significantly due to multiple factors, directly affecting the production costs and investment decisions of enterprises. This report comprehensively analyzes the price range, influencing factors, and market trend of jerrycan molds for extrusion blow molding machines, aiming to provide reference for relevant enterprises and investors.

2. Overview of Market Price Range

Based on the data collected from mainstream B2B platforms such as Alibaba and Made-in-China, the market price of jerrycan molds for extrusion blow molding machines shows a wide fluctuation range, mainly concentrated between $800 and $40,000 per set. The price difference is closely related to the specification, material, and structural complexity of the mold. Specifically, the price distribution of molds with different specifications is as follows:

  • Small-capacity jerrycan molds (1L-5L): The price ranges from $800 to $3,000 per set. For example, the price of a 5L HDPE jerrycan blow molding mold is about $2,500-$3,000, and some simple-structured molds can be as low as $800-$1,000.
  • Medium-capacity jerrycan molds (10L-30L): The price is relatively higher, ranging from $3,500 to $15,000 per set. A 20L HDPE plastic jerrycan extrusion blow molding mold is priced at approximately $3,500-$9,900, and the price of molds with special functions (such as high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance) can reach $14,800-$14,900.
  • Large-capacity jerrycan molds (200L-220L): These molds have large sizes and high technical requirements, so the price is significantly higher, ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 per set. For example, the price of an industrial 220-liter barrel blowing mold is about $15,000, and the price of a 200L drum mold can reach $10,000-$40,000.

3. Core Factors Affecting the Price of Jerrycan Molds

3.1 Mold Material

Mold material is one of the key factors determining the price. Different materials have significant differences in cost, hardness, wear resistance, and service life, thus affecting the final pricing of the mold:

  • Aluminum molds: The cost is relatively low, generally 50%-70% of that of steel molds. They are suitable for small-batch production due to their low hardness and short service life. The price of aluminum jerrycan molds is usually at the lower end of the market range, such as some 5L jerrycan molds made of aluminum, which can be priced below $2,000.
  • Ordinary steel molds: With moderate cost and service life, they are suitable for medium-batch production. Most medium-capacity jerrycan molds adopt ordinary steel materials, and their prices are in the middle range of the market.
  • Quenched steel molds (such as 45 steel, S136 alloy steel): They have high hardness, strong wear resistance, and long service life, suitable for mass production. However, the manufacturing cost is high, and the price of molds made of such materials is usually 20%-50% higher than that of ordinary steel molds. For example, the price of a high-quality customized S136 alloy steel jerrycan mold is about $350-$400, and the price of large-capacity molds made of quenched steel can reach more than $30,000.

3.2 Mold Cavity Number

The number of mold cavities directly affects production efficiency and mold manufacturing costs. Single-cavity molds have a simple structure and low manufacturing difficulty, so the price is lower, which is suitable for small-batch production. Multi-cavity molds can form multiple products at one time, greatly improving production efficiency, but the structure is more complex, the manufacturing process is cumbersome, and the price is significantly higher than that of single-cavity molds. For example, a single-cavity 20L jerrycan mold is priced at about $3,500, while a multi-cavity mold of the same specification can be priced at more than $10,000.

3.3 Jerrycan Specification and Structural Complexity

The specification and structural complexity of jerrycans directly affect the design and manufacturing difficulty of molds. With the increase of jerrycan capacity, the size of the mold increases, the material consumption increases, and the processing accuracy requirements are higher, leading to a significant increase in price. In addition, if the jerrycan has special structural designs (such as handles, leak-proof covers, and complex patterns), the mold needs more precise processing and more complex structures, which will also increase the manufacturing cost and thus the mold price. For example, the price of a 20L jerrycan mold with a simple structure is about $3,500, while the price of a mold for a collapsible 20L water jerrycan with a complex structure is about $1,500-$2,000, and the price of large-capacity molds with special structures can be as high as $40,000.

3.4 Raw Material Price Fluctuation

The main raw materials of jerrycan molds include steel, aluminum, and plastic particles, and the price fluctuation of these raw materials will indirectly affect the price of molds. For example, the price of PET particles, a raw material for plastic jerrycans, is affected by international crude oil prices. In 2022, due to the rise in international crude oil prices, the annual average price of PET particles increased by 23.6% year-on-year to 8,250 yuan/ton, which led to an increase in the production cost of related molds. In addition, the price of steel, which is the main material of molds, is also affected by factors such as market supply and demand and energy prices, and its fluctuation will directly affect the material cost of molds.

3.5 Supplier Region and Brand

There are significant price differences between mold suppliers in different regions. Generally speaking, the price of jerrycan molds produced in mainland China is relatively competitive, while the price of molds from Taiwan, China and other regions is slightly higher. For example, the price of a Taiwanese plastic injection mold for auto parts (similar in manufacturing difficulty to medium-capacity jerrycan molds) is about $3,000-$7,000, while the price of a similar mainland Chinese mold is about $2,300-$6,000. In addition, well-known brands with high technical level and good after-sales service usually price their molds 10%-30% higher than ordinary brands, but their product quality and reliability are more guaranteed.

4. Market Price Trend

4.1 Short-term Trend: Volatile and Stable

In the short term (2025-2026), the price of jerrycan molds for extrusion blow molding machines will show a volatile and stable trend. On the one hand, the price of raw materials such as steel and plastic particles is affected by international energy prices and market supply and demand, leading to short-term fluctuations in mold prices. On the other hand, with the gradual release of new production capacity in the plastic mold industry, the market supply is relatively sufficient, which will restrict the excessive rise of mold prices. It is expected that the average price of small and medium-capacity jerrycan molds will remain stable at $1,000-$15,000, and the price of large-capacity molds will fluctuate slightly around $15,000-$35,000.

4.2 Long-term Trend: Slow Rise Driven by Multiple Factors

In the long term (2027-2030), the price of jerrycan molds is expected to show a slow upward trend, mainly driven by the following factors: First, the implementation of environmental protection policies such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will force mold enterprises to carry out green transformation, increasing environmental protection costs and thus pushing up mold prices. Second, the demand for jerrycans in emerging fields such as photovoltaic backsheet materials is growing rapidly, and the requirements for mold precision and performance are increasing. The R&D and manufacturing costs of high-performance molds will rise, driving the overall price level up. Third, the penetration rate of recycled plastic particles is increasing. Although it can reduce the cost of raw materials to a certain extent, the modification and processing costs of recycled materials will increase, and the overall impact on mold prices is relatively limited. It is expected that by 2030, the average price of jerrycan molds will increase by 10%-15% compared with 2025.

5. Suggestions for Purchasers

  • Match mold specifications and materials according to production needs: For small-batch production, choose aluminum or ordinary steel single-cavity molds to control costs; for mass production, select high-wear-resistant quenched steel multi-cavity molds to improve production efficiency and reduce unit product costs.
  • Pay attention to raw material price trends: Timely grasp the price fluctuation information of steel, plastic particles and other raw materials, and reasonably arrange the purchase time to avoid cost increases caused by raw material price surges.
  • Comprehensively consider cost and quality: When choosing suppliers, do not only pursue low prices, but also pay attention to product quality, after-sales service and technical level. It is recommended to choose well-known brands with stable quality and perfect after-sales service to reduce the risk of later use.
  • Layout green and high-performance molds in advance: In response to the trend of environmental protection policies and industrial upgrading, appropriately increase the investment in green and high-performance jerrycan molds to enhance market competitiveness.

6. Conclusion

The price of jerrycan molds for an extrusion blow molding machine is affected by multiple factors such as mold material, cavity number, specification, raw material price, and supplier region, showing a wide range of fluctuations. In the short term, the price will remain volatile and stable, while in the long term, it will show a slow upward trend. Enterprises should comprehensively consider their own production needs, cost budget and market trends when purchasing molds, and make scientific purchase decisions. At the same time, mold manufacturers should actively respond to policy changes and market demands, improve technical level, optimize product structure, and achieve sustainable development in the fierce market competition.