HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2529.21 – Fluorspar; containing by weight 97% or less of calcium fluoride
HS code 2529.21 is the 6-digit subheading for fluorspar, containing by weight 97% or less of calcium fluoride. It is used for metallurgical grade fluorspar, acidspar (low purity), ceramic grade fluorspar (low purity), fluorspar lumps and fluorspar gravel.
What HS 2529.21 covers
This HS code specifically covers fluorspar with a calcium fluoride (CaF2) content of 97% or less by weight, commonly known as metallurgical grade fluorspar or 'metspar.' This lower-purity fluorspar is primarily used as a flux in steelmaking, where it helps to lower the melting point of raw materials and remove impurities, thereby improving the efficiency of the steel production process. It also finds applications in the production of aluminum and certain ceramics. Major exporters are countries with significant fluorspar reserves, such as Mexico, China, and Mongolia. Importers are predominantly nations with large steel and aluminum industries, including China, Japan, and the United States. The trade in this grade of fluorspar is sensitive to global industrial output, particularly in the metals sector, and pricing often reflects demand from these heavy industries.
- Covers
- Metallurgical grade fluorspar
- Acidspar (low purity)
- Ceramic grade fluorspar (low purity)
- Fluorspar lumps
- Fluorspar gravel
- Metspar
- Examples
- Orbia (Mexichem) metallurgical fluorspar
- China Minmetals fluorspar
- Russian fluorspar
Codes often confused with 2529.21
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 252922 (fluorspar >97% CaF2) based on purity, and could be confused with other fluxing agents like limestone (2521) if not precisely identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 252921, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 252921 in UN Comtrade data was Mongolia, with about 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 52% 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 Mongolia* ~$224M 49% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $80M 18% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $31M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $457M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $274M 52% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $39M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $21M 3.9% of world imports
World total: $529M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 2529.21
Brazil does not split HS 2529.21: its NCM code is 2529.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 25.29 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2529.21
What is HS code 252921?
HS code 252921 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fluorspar; containing by weight 97% or less of calcium fluoride. This HS code specifically covers fluorspar with a calcium fluoride (CaF2) content of 97% or less by weight, commonly known as metallurgical grade fluorspar or 'metspar.' This lower-purity fluorspar is primarily used as a flux in steelmaking, where it helps to lower the melting point of raw materials and remove impurities, thereby improving the efficiency of the steel production process. It also finds applications in the production of aluminum and certain ceramics. Major exporters are countries with significant fluorspar reserves, such as Mexico, China, and Mongolia. Importers are predominantly nations with large steel and aluminum industries, including China, Japan, and the United States. The trade in this grade of fluorspar is sensitive to global industrial output, particularly in the metals sector, and pricing often reflects demand from these heavy industries.
What products fall under HS code 252921?
Metallurgical grade fluorspar, Acidspar (low purity), Ceramic grade fluorspar (low purity), Fluorspar lumps, Fluorspar gravel, Metspar
What are common misclassifications for HS code 252921?
This code is distinct from 252922 (fluorspar >97% CaF2) based on purity, and could be confused with other fluxing agents like limestone (2521) if not precisely identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 252921?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 252921 in UN Comtrade data were Mongolia (about $224M, 49% of world exports), China ($80M) and South Africa ($31M). World exports came to about $457M, 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 252921?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 252921 in UN Comtrade data were China ($274M, 52% of world imports), Indonesia ($39M) and Türkiye ($21M). World imports came to about $529M, 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 252921 structured?
HS code 252921 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (29) 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 252921?
In Brazil, HS code 252921 is NCM 2529.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.