HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 25.04 – Graphite; natural
What HS 25.04 covers
HS Code 2504 exclusively covers natural graphite, a versatile mineral product with unique properties. This heading encompasses all forms of natural graphite, whether in lump, powder, flake, or amorphous varieties, provided it remains in its natural state. Natural graphite is distinct from artificial graphite, which is a manufactured product and is classified elsewhere, typically under Chapter 28 or 38, depending on its form and purity. The scope of 2504 is therefore strictly limited to graphite mined from the earth. Its significance in international trade is growing rapidly due to its critical role in various high-tech industries. Natural graphite is prized for its excellent electrical conductivity, thermal stability, lubricity, and chemical inertness. It is an essential component in refractories, lubricants, brake linings, pencils, and increasingly, in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and portable electronics. Accurate classification is crucial for trade compliance, impacting duties, import restrictions, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. Historically, graphite has been used for centuries, from ancient pottery to modern industrial applications. Its placement within Chapter 25, 'Salt; Sulphur; Earths and Stone; Plastering Materials, Lime and Cement,' underscores its identity as a fundamental, naturally occurring mineral.
- Covers
- Natural flake graphite
- Amorphous natural graphite
- Vein graphite
- Crystalline flake graphite
- Natural graphite powder
- Lump natural graphite
- Natural microcrystalline graphite
- Expandable natural graphite (raw)
- Natural spherical graphite (unprocessed)
- Natural graphite concentrates
- Raw graphite ore
- Graphite fines (natural)
- Natural platy graphite
- Natural colloidal graphite (unprocessed)
- Mineral graphite.
- Examples
China, a dominant producer, exports large volumes of natural flake graphite to South Korea for use in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, leveraging established shipping lanes across the East China Sea. Similarly, Brazil ships significant quantities of amorphous natural graphite to European countries like Germany, where it is used in refractories and lubricants, often via bulk cargo vessels across the Atlantic. Another scenario involves Madagascar, a key source of high-quality flake graphite, exporting to the United States for specialized industrial applications, with trade relying on maritime routes through the Indian Ocean and Atlantic.
Subheadings under 25.04 2
Codes often confused with 25.04
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves confusing natural graphite (2504) with artificial graphite. Artificial graphite, being a manufactured product, is classified under different headings, such as 2803 (carbon, carbon black, activated carbon) or 3801 (artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite), depending on its form and processing. Another error is classifying graphite electrodes (Chapter 85) or other graphite articles (e.g., refractory bricks, Chapter 68) under 2504; these are finished goods. The key distinction for 2504 is that the graphite must be in its natural, unprocessed or minimally processed (e.g., crushed, ground) state, not a synthetic variant or a manufactured article. Carbon black (2803) is also distinct, being a form of amorphous carbon produced by incomplete combustion, not mined natural graphite.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2504, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2504 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% of world imports. Japan reports $124M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $192M 42% of world exports
- 2 Tanzania $45M 10% of world exports
- 3 Madagascar $30M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $452M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $144M 23% of world imports
- 2 Germany $56M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $54M 8.8% of world imports
Japan reports $124M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $614M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 25.04
What is HS code 2504?
HS code 2504 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Graphite; natural. HS Code 2504 exclusively covers natural graphite, a versatile mineral product with unique properties. This heading encompasses all forms of natural graphite, whether in lump, powder, flake, or amorphous varieties, provided it remains in its natural state. Natural graphite is distinct from artificial graphite, which is a manufactured product and is classified elsewhere, typically under Chapter 28 or 38, depending on its form and purity. The scope of 2504 is therefore strictly limited to graphite mined from the earth. Its significance in international trade is growing rapidly due to its critical role in various high-tech industries. Natural graphite is prized for its excellent electrical conductivity, thermal stability, lubricity, and chemical inertness. It is an essential component in refractories, lubricants, brake linings, pencils, and increasingly, in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and portable electronics. Accurate classification is crucial for trade compliance, impacting duties, import restrictions, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. Historically, graphite has been used for centuries, from ancient pottery to modern industrial applications. Its placement within Chapter 25, 'Salt; Sulphur; Earths and Stone; Plastering Materials, Lime and Cement,' underscores its identity as a fundamental, naturally occurring mineral.
What products fall under HS code 2504?
Natural flake graphite, amorphous natural graphite, vein graphite, crystalline flake graphite, natural graphite powder, lump natural graphite, natural microcrystalline graphite, expandable natural graphite (raw), natural spherical graphite (unprocessed), natural graphite concentrates, raw graphite ore, graphite fines (natural), natural platy graphite, natural colloidal graphite (unprocessed), mineral graphite.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2504?
A common misclassification involves confusing natural graphite (2504) with artificial graphite. Artificial graphite, being a manufactured product, is classified under different headings, such as 2803 (carbon, carbon black, activated carbon) or 3801 (artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite), depending on its form and processing. Another error is classifying graphite electrodes (Chapter 85) or other graphite articles (e.g., refractory bricks, Chapter 68) under 2504; these are finished goods. The key distinction for 2504 is that the graphite must be in its natural, unprocessed or minimally processed (e.g., crushed, ground) state, not a synthetic variant or a manufactured article. Carbon black (2803) is also distinct, being a form of amorphous carbon produced by incomplete combustion, not mined natural graphite.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2504?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2504 in UN Comtrade data were China ($192M, 42% of world exports), Tanzania ($45M) and Madagascar ($30M). World exports came to about $452M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 2504?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2504 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($144M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($56M) and Indonesia ($54M). World imports came to about $614M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Japan reports $124M of its chapter 25 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 2504 structured?
HS code 2504 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.