HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2601.12 – Iron ores and concentrates; agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites)
HS code 2601.12 is the 6-digit subheading for iron ores and concentrates, agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites). It is used for iron ore pellets, sintered iron ore, briquetted iron ore, concentrated iron ore fines and pellet feed.
What HS 2601.12 covers
This category encompasses iron ores and concentrates that have been agglomerated, meaning they've been processed into forms like pellets or sinters to improve their physical properties for use in blast furnaces. This processing adds value by making the ore easier to handle, transport, and more efficient for steelmaking, reducing energy consumption and emissions. The trade in agglomerated ores is driven by steel producers seeking higher-quality, more consistent feed materials. Key players include integrated steel companies and specialized ore processors. The market for these products reflects a global push for efficiency and environmental responsibility in the steel industry, making them a premium commodity compared to raw ores.
- Covers
- Iron ore pellets
- Sintered iron ore
- Briquetted iron ore
- Concentrated iron ore fines
- Pellet feed
- Examples
- Vale's iron ore pellets
- LKAB iron ore pellets
- ArcelorMittal's agglomerated products
- Cleveland-Cliffs pellets
Codes often confused with 2601.12
Common mistake. Often confused with 260111 (non-agglomerated iron ores) if the physical state isn't clearly specified, or 7204 (ferrous waste and scrap) if it's considered a recycled input.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 260112, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 260112 in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% 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 Brazil $2.7B 21% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $2.3B 18% of world exports
- 3 Canada $1.7B 13% of world exports
World total: $12.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.7B 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.4B 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $1.1B 7.6% of world imports
World total: $14.4B 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 codes for 2601.12 3
Brazil splits HS 2601.12 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2601.12.10 Iron ore pellets, 8 mm to 18 mm diameterAglomerados por processo de peletização, de diâmetro igual ou superior a 8 mm, mas não superior a 18 mm
- 2601.12.20 Iron ore briquettes, 4 to 60 cm³Em briquetes de volume igual ou superior a 4 cm³, mas não superior a 60 cm³
- 2601.12.90 Other agglomerated iron ores and concentratesOutros
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 2601.12
What is HS code 260112?
HS code 260112 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron ores and concentrates; agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites). This category encompasses iron ores and concentrates that have been agglomerated, meaning they've been processed into forms like pellets or sinters to improve their physical properties for use in blast furnaces. This processing adds value by making the ore easier to handle, transport, and more efficient for steelmaking, reducing energy consumption and emissions. The trade in agglomerated ores is driven by steel producers seeking higher-quality, more consistent feed materials. Key players include integrated steel companies and specialized ore processors. The market for these products reflects a global push for efficiency and environmental responsibility in the steel industry, making them a premium commodity compared to raw ores.
What products fall under HS code 260112?
Iron ore pellets, Sintered iron ore, Briquetted iron ore, Concentrated iron ore fines, Pellet feed
What are common misclassifications for HS code 260112?
Often confused with 260111 (non-agglomerated iron ores) if the physical state isn't clearly specified, or 7204 (ferrous waste and scrap) if it's considered a recycled input.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 260112?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 260112 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($2.7B, 21% of world exports), Sweden ($2.3B) and Canada ($1.7B). World exports came to about $12.5B, 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 260112?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 260112 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.7B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($1.4B) and Egypt ($1.1B). World imports came to about $14.4B, 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 260112 structured?
HS code 260112 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 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 260112?
Brazil splits HS code 260112 into 3 NCM codes: 2601.12.10 (Iron ore pellets, 8 mm to 18 mm diameter), 2601.12.20 (Iron ore briquettes, 4 to 60 cm³), 2601.12.90 (Other agglomerated iron ores and concentrates). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.