HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2523.21 – Cement; portland, white, whether or not artificially coloured
HS code 2523.21 is the 6-digit subheading for cement, portland, white, whether or not artificially coloured. It is used for white Portland cement (Type I), white rapid-hardening cement, white masonry cement, white decorative cement and white tile grout cement.
What HS 2523.21 covers
White Portland cement is a premium construction material, distinguished by its low iron content, which gives it a pure white color. This aesthetic quality makes it highly sought after for decorative concrete, architectural precast elements, tile grouts, and terrazzo, where appearance is paramount. Its production requires specific raw materials and a more controlled manufacturing process than grey cement, leading to a higher price point. Major importers are often developed nations with high-end construction projects and a demand for specialized finishes, while exporters typically possess specialized production facilities capable of meeting stringent quality standards. Key trade considerations include packaging (bags, bulk), adherence to international quality standards, and transportation costs due to its bulk nature.
- Covers
- White Portland cement (Type I)
- White rapid-hardening cement
- White masonry cement
- White decorative cement
- White tile grout cement
- Examples
- Aalborg White Cement
- Lehigh White Cement
- Lafarge White Cement
- Cemex White Cement
Codes often confused with 2523.21
Common mistake. This is distinct from other Portland cements (252329) due to its color and specific applications, and should not be confused with non-Portland white cements.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 252321, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 252321 in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Türkiye $141M 19% of world exports
- 2 Egypt $78M 11% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $55M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $729M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $207M 22% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $58M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 France $47M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $960M 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.
Brazil NCM code for 2523.21
Brazil does not split HS 2523.21: its NCM code is 2523.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 25.23 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about HS 2523.21
What is HS code 252321?
HS code 252321 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cement; portland, white, whether or not artificially coloured. White Portland cement is a premium construction material, distinguished by its low iron content, which gives it a pure white color. This aesthetic quality makes it highly sought after for decorative concrete, architectural precast elements, tile grouts, and terrazzo, where appearance is paramount. Its production requires specific raw materials and a more controlled manufacturing process than grey cement, leading to a higher price point. Major importers are often developed nations with high-end construction projects and a demand for specialized finishes, while exporters typically possess specialized production facilities capable of meeting stringent quality standards. Key trade considerations include packaging (bags, bulk), adherence to international quality standards, and transportation costs due to its bulk nature.
What products fall under HS code 252321?
White Portland cement (Type I), white rapid-hardening cement, white masonry cement, white decorative cement, white tile grout cement
What are common misclassifications for HS code 252321?
This is distinct from other Portland cements (252329) due to its color and specific applications, and should not be confused with non-Portland white cements.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 252321?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 252321 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($141M, 19% of world exports), Egypt ($78M) and Denmark ($55M). World exports came to about $729M, 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 252321?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 252321 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($207M, 22% of world imports), the Netherlands ($58M) and France ($47M). World imports came to about $960M, 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.
How is HS code 252321 structured?
HS code 252321 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (23) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 252321?
In Brazil, HS code 252321 is NCM 2523.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.