HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2606.00 – Aluminium ores and concentrates
HS code 2606.00 is the 6-digit subheading for aluminium ores and concentrates. It is used for bauxite ore, calcined bauxite, metallurgical grade bauxite, refractory grade bauxite and chemical grade bauxite.
What HS 2606.00 covers
This HS code covers aluminium ores and concentrates, predominantly bauxite, which is the primary source of aluminum. Bauxite is a crucial raw material for the production of alumina (aluminum oxide) through the Bayer process, which is then smelted into aluminum metal via the Hall-Héroult process. Aluminum is widely used in construction, automotive, aerospace, and packaging industries due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties. The global trade involves resource-rich nations exporting bauxite to countries with significant aluminum refining and smelting capacities. The quality of bauxite, particularly its alumina content and reactive silica levels, is a key factor in its trade value and suitability for different processing methods.
- Covers
- Bauxite ore
- Calcined bauxite
- Metallurgical grade bauxite
- Refractory grade bauxite
- Chemical grade bauxite
- Examples
- Alcoa's bauxite
- Rio Tinto Alcan bauxite
- Rusal's bauxite
- South32's Worsley bauxite
Codes often confused with 2606.00
Common mistake. Can be confused with 2818 (aluminum oxide/alumina) if it has undergone the Bayer process, or 2508 (other clays) due to its earthy appearance.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 260600, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 260600 in UN Comtrade data was Guinea, with about 77% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 89% 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 Guinea* ~$13.0B 77% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Australia $2.3B 14% of world exports
- 3 Guyana* ~$316M 1.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $16.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $15.8B 89% of world imports
- 2 India $464M 2.6% of world imports
- 3 Ireland $304M 1.7% of world imports
World total: $17.9B 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 codes for 2606.00 3
Brazil splits HS 2606.00 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2606.00.1 BauxiteBauxita Group
- 2606.00.11 Bauxite, not calcinedNão calcinada
- 2606.00.12 Calcined bauxiteCalcinada
- 2606.00.90 Other aluminium ores and concentratesOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 26.06 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2606.00
What is HS code 260600?
HS code 260600 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aluminium ores and concentrates. This HS code covers aluminium ores and concentrates, predominantly bauxite, which is the primary source of aluminum. Bauxite is a crucial raw material for the production of alumina (aluminum oxide) through the Bayer process, which is then smelted into aluminum metal via the Hall-Héroult process. Aluminum is widely used in construction, automotive, aerospace, and packaging industries due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties. The global trade involves resource-rich nations exporting bauxite to countries with significant aluminum refining and smelting capacities. The quality of bauxite, particularly its alumina content and reactive silica levels, is a key factor in its trade value and suitability for different processing methods.
What products fall under HS code 260600?
Bauxite ore, Calcined bauxite, Metallurgical grade bauxite, Refractory grade bauxite, Chemical grade bauxite
What are common misclassifications for HS code 260600?
Can be confused with 2818 (aluminum oxide/alumina) if it has undergone the Bayer process, or 2508 (other clays) due to its earthy appearance.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 260600?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 260600 in UN Comtrade data were Guinea (about $13.0B, 77% of world exports), Australia ($2.3B) and Guyana (about $316M). World exports came to about $16.7B, 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 260600?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 260600 in UN Comtrade data were China ($15.8B, 89% of world imports), India ($464M) and Ireland ($304M). World imports came to about $17.9B, 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 260600 structured?
HS code 260600 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) 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 260600?
Brazil splits HS code 260600 into 3 NCM codes: 2606.00.11 (Bauxite, not calcined), 2606.00.12 (Calcined bauxite), 2606.00.90 (Other aluminium ores and concentrates). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.