HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2604.00 – Nickel ores and concentrates
HS code 2604.00 is the 6-digit subheading for nickel ores and concentrates. It is used for nickel sulfide concentrate, nickel laterite ore, garnierite ore, limonite ore (nickel-bearing) and saprolite ore (nickel-bearing).
What HS 2604.00 covers
Nickel ores and concentrates are traded under this code, representing a crucial input for various industries, most notably stainless steel production, electric vehicle batteries, and superalloys. The global trade involves two primary types: sulfide ores (processed into concentrates) and laterite ores (often processed via pyrometallurgy or hydrometallurgy). Major mining companies extract these ores, which are then exported to countries with advanced processing facilities. The market is highly dynamic, driven by demand from the automotive sector's shift to EVs and the ongoing need for corrosion-resistant materials. Understanding the nickel content and the presence of other valuable elements like cobalt is key for trade participants.
- Covers
- Nickel sulfide concentrate
- Nickel laterite ore
- Garnierite ore
- Limonite ore (nickel-bearing)
- Saprolite ore (nickel-bearing)
- Examples
- Norilsk Nickel concentrates
- Vale's nickel ore
- Glencore's nickel products
- Sumitomo Metal Mining's nickel laterite
Codes often confused with 2604.00
Common mistake. Can be confused with 7502 (unwrought nickel) if it's already processed into metal, or 260500 (cobalt ores) as they often occur together.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 260400, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 260400 in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 61% 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 Philippines $1.5B 36% of world exports
- 2 Zambia* ~$460M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 New Caledonia* ~$367M 9.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $4.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $3.1B 61% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $747M 15% of world imports
- 3 Canada $356M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $5.1B 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 2604.00
Brazil does not split HS 2604.00: its NCM code is 2604.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 26.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2604.00
What is HS code 260400?
HS code 260400 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Nickel ores and concentrates. Nickel ores and concentrates are traded under this code, representing a crucial input for various industries, most notably stainless steel production, electric vehicle batteries, and superalloys. The global trade involves two primary types: sulfide ores (processed into concentrates) and laterite ores (often processed via pyrometallurgy or hydrometallurgy). Major mining companies extract these ores, which are then exported to countries with advanced processing facilities. The market is highly dynamic, driven by demand from the automotive sector's shift to EVs and the ongoing need for corrosion-resistant materials. Understanding the nickel content and the presence of other valuable elements like cobalt is key for trade participants.
What products fall under HS code 260400?
Nickel sulfide concentrate, Nickel laterite ore, Garnierite ore, Limonite ore (nickel-bearing), Saprolite ore (nickel-bearing)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 260400?
Can be confused with 7502 (unwrought nickel) if it's already processed into metal, or 260500 (cobalt ores) as they often occur together.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 260400?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 260400 in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($1.5B, 36% of world exports), Zambia (about $460M) and New Caledonia (about $367M). World exports came to about $4.1B, 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 260400?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 260400 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.1B, 61% of world imports), Indonesia ($747M) and Canada ($356M). World imports came to about $5.1B, 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 260400 structured?
HS code 260400 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 260400?
In Brazil, HS code 260400 is NCM 2604.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.