Extruded complex Al-Li alloys often exhibit inhomogeneous distribution of mechanical properties along the cross-section or through the thickness of the profile. Generally it is accepted that the origin of yield stress inhomogeneity and anisotropy is in the crystallographic texture and preferential orientation of directional precipitates with respect to slip systems. Nevertheless, there are also other possible causes for the presence of inhomogeneities, such as precipitation free zones (PFZs) in different parts of the profile. A study on a profile with a model dumb-bell cross-section from the complex Al-Li alloy was performed. Microstructural observations confirmed that the distribution of PFZs was induced by the presence of grains and subgrains whose shape and size differ in the round and flat parts of the profile. Their different volume fraction and orientation with respect to the operating stress in both parts of the profile are expected to be the reason for the presence of the mechanical inhomogeneity and anisotropy, rather than indirect influence of the texture.