HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2526.10 – Steatite; natural, (not crushed or powdered), whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape; talc
HS code 2526.10 is the 6-digit subheading for steatite, natural, (not crushed or powdered), whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape, talc. It is used for talc blocks, steatite slabs, soapstone carvings (raw material), industrial talc lumps and cosmetic grade talc (raw).
What HS 2526.10 covers
This HS code encompasses natural steatite and talc that has not been crushed or powdered, typically traded in its raw form as blocks, slabs, or roughly trimmed pieces. These materials are highly valued for their softness, heat resistance, and electrical insulating properties, making them crucial raw inputs for various industries. Major importers are often countries with advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly in ceramics, refractories, and sculpture, seeking high-quality raw materials for further processing. Exporters are typically nations rich in talc and steatite deposits, such as China, India, and Brazil. Key things to know include the importance of mineral purity and consistency for industrial applications, and the growing demand for sustainable sourcing practices in the global supply chain. The trade in these unrefined forms often precedes significant value-added processing.
- Covers
- Talc blocks
- Steatite slabs
- Soapstone carvings (raw material)
- Industrial talc lumps
- Cosmetic grade talc (raw)
- Refractory grade steatite blocks
- Examples
- Vermont Soapstone blocks
- Brazilian Soapstone slabs
- Chinese Talc lumps
- Indian Steatite blocks
Codes often confused with 2526.10
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 252620 (crushed or powdered talc/steatite) due to the material's identity, but the distinction lies in the level of processing. It can also be mistaken for 6802 if the material is significantly worked into finished articles.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 252610, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 252610 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 21% 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 China $29M 30% of world exports
- 2 United States $15M 15% of world exports
- 3 India $13M 13% of world exports
World total: $98M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $30M 21% of world imports
- 2 United States $26M 18% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $19M 14% of world imports
World total: $141M 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 2526.10
Brazil does not split HS 2526.10: its NCM code is 2526.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 25.26 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2526.10
What is HS code 252610?
HS code 252610 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Steatite; natural, (not crushed or powdered), whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape; talc. This HS code encompasses natural steatite and talc that has not been crushed or powdered, typically traded in its raw form as blocks, slabs, or roughly trimmed pieces. These materials are highly valued for their softness, heat resistance, and electrical insulating properties, making them crucial raw inputs for various industries. Major importers are often countries with advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly in ceramics, refractories, and sculpture, seeking high-quality raw materials for further processing. Exporters are typically nations rich in talc and steatite deposits, such as China, India, and Brazil. Key things to know include the importance of mineral purity and consistency for industrial applications, and the growing demand for sustainable sourcing practices in the global supply chain. The trade in these unrefined forms often precedes significant value-added processing.
What products fall under HS code 252610?
Talc blocks, Steatite slabs, Soapstone carvings (raw material), Industrial talc lumps, Cosmetic grade talc (raw), Refractory grade steatite blocks
What are common misclassifications for HS code 252610?
This code is often confused with 252620 (crushed or powdered talc/steatite) due to the material's identity, but the distinction lies in the level of processing. It can also be mistaken for 6802 if the material is significantly worked into finished articles.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 252610?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 252610 in UN Comtrade data were China ($29M, 30% of world exports), the United States ($15M) and India ($13M). World exports came to about $98M, 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 252610?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 252610 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($30M, 21% of world imports), the United States ($26M) and South Korea ($19M). World imports came to about $141M, 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 252610 structured?
HS code 252610 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (26) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 252610?
In Brazil, HS code 252610 is NCM 2526.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.