HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2601.11 – Iron ores and concentrates; non-agglomerated
HS code 2601.11 is the 6-digit subheading for iron ores and concentrates, non-agglomerated. It is used for hematite ore, magnetite ore, limonite ore, siderite ore and direct shipping ore (DSO).
What HS 2601.11 covers
This HS code covers raw, unprocessed iron ores and concentrates that have not undergone agglomeration. These are fundamental commodities in international trade, serving as the primary raw material for steel production globally. Major mining companies extract these ores, which are then shipped to steel mills worldwide. The trade volume is immense, driven by the construction, automotive, and manufacturing sectors' demand for steel. Importers are typically countries with large steel industries but limited domestic iron ore reserves, while exporters are nations rich in iron ore deposits. Understanding the different grades and types (e.g., hematite, magnetite) is crucial for trade, as quality directly impacts steel production efficiency and cost. The market is highly sensitive to global economic growth and infrastructure development.
- Covers
- Hematite ore
- Magnetite ore
- Limonite ore
- Siderite ore
- Direct shipping ore (DSO)
- Iron ore fines
- Iron ore lumps
- Examples
- Pilbara iron ore
- Carajás iron ore
- Kumba iron ore
- Vale's iron ore products
- Rio Tinto's iron ore
Codes often confused with 2601.11
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 260112 (agglomerated iron ores) if the processing level is not clearly defined, or with 7201 (pig iron) which is a processed product, not raw ore.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 260111, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 260111 in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 79% 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 Australia $77.7B 59% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $26.3B 20% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $5.9B 4.5% of world exports
World total: $131.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $120.1B 79% of world imports
- 2 Japan $8.8B 5.8% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $6.2B 4.1% of world imports
World total: $151.4B 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 2601.11
Brazil does not split HS 2601.11: its NCM code is 2601.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 26.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2601.11
What is HS code 260111?
HS code 260111 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron ores and concentrates; non-agglomerated. This HS code covers raw, unprocessed iron ores and concentrates that have not undergone agglomeration. These are fundamental commodities in international trade, serving as the primary raw material for steel production globally. Major mining companies extract these ores, which are then shipped to steel mills worldwide. The trade volume is immense, driven by the construction, automotive, and manufacturing sectors' demand for steel. Importers are typically countries with large steel industries but limited domestic iron ore reserves, while exporters are nations rich in iron ore deposits. Understanding the different grades and types (e.g., hematite, magnetite) is crucial for trade, as quality directly impacts steel production efficiency and cost. The market is highly sensitive to global economic growth and infrastructure development.
What products fall under HS code 260111?
Hematite ore, Magnetite ore, Limonite ore, Siderite ore, Direct shipping ore (DSO), Iron ore fines, Iron ore lumps
What are common misclassifications for HS code 260111?
This code can be confused with 260112 (agglomerated iron ores) if the processing level is not clearly defined, or with 7201 (pig iron) which is a processed product, not raw ore.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 260111?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 260111 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($77.7B, 59% of world exports), Brazil ($26.3B) and South Africa ($5.9B). World exports came to about $131.6B, 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 260111?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 260111 in UN Comtrade data were China ($120.1B, 79% of world imports), Japan ($8.8B) and South Korea ($6.2B). World imports came to about $151.4B, 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 260111 structured?
HS code 260111 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 260111?
In Brazil, HS code 260111 is NCM 2601.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.