HS Code 26.13 – Molybdenum ores and concentrates

HS code 2613 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Molybdenum ores and concentrates. Heading 2613 specifically covers Molybdenum ores and concentrates, playing a crucial role in global industrial supply chains. This classification encompasses raw molybdenum-bearing minerals, primarily molybdenite (molybdenum disulfide), as well as products derived from initial processing to increase the molybdenum content. The scope includes both the crude ore as extracted from the earth and various forms of concentrates produced through physical separation methods like flotation, which remove gangue minerals. These concentrates are not chemically altered beyond what is necessary for separation and enrichment. Key sub-categories typically involve unroasted molybdenite concentrates and, less commonly, roasted forms if still considered 'concentrates' rather than processed chemical compounds. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it determines applicable tariffs, taxes, and regulatory controls, especially concerning environmental standards for mining and processing. Molybdenum is a strategic metal, essential for producing high-strength steel alloys, superalloys, and chemical catalysts, making its trade significant for manufacturing sectors worldwide. Historically, its demand has mirrored industrial growth, particularly in automotive, aerospace, and energy industries. As part of Chapter 26, this heading reinforces the chapter's focus on unrefined metallic ores and concentrates, distinguishing them from processed metals (Chapter 81) or chemical compounds (Chapter 28). Proper classification ensures accurate valuation for customs duties and compliance with export restrictions or import quotas that often apply to critical raw materials.

Molybdenite ore, unroasted molybdenite concentrate, roasted molybdenite concentrate, molybdenum sulfide concentrate, primary molybdenum concentrate, flotation molybdenum concentrate, high-grade molybdenite concentrate, low-grade molybdenite ore, bulk molybdenum concentrate, byproduct molybdenum concentrate, copper-molybdenum concentrate, lead-molybdenum concentrate, rhenium-bearing molybdenite concentrate, molybdic oxide concentrate (if from initial concentration), crude molybdenum ore, partially processed molybdenite, fine-ground molybdenite concentrate, coarse-ground molybdenite concentrate, molybdenite filter cake, molybdenite fines, molybdenum-bearing tailings concentrate, molybdenum leach concentrate, raw moly concentrate, industrial grade molybdenite concentrate.

Common misclassifications for molybdenum ores and concentrates often occur with unwrought molybdenum metal (HS 8102) or molybdenum oxides (HS 2825). Traders might confuse a highly enriched concentrate with the refined metal, leading to incorrect tariffs and regulatory compliance issues. HS 8102 covers pure, unworked molybdenum in forms like bars, rods, or powder, which has undergone significant metallurgical processing beyond simple concentration. Similarly, molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) and other chemical compounds fall under HS 2825, not 2613, as they are distinct chemical products rather than naturally occurring ores or mechanically concentrated forms. Correct classification hinges on the degree of processing and chemical transformation.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2613 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($2.5B, 30% of world exports), Peru (about $2.0B) and the United States ($1.4B). World exports came to about $8.5B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2613 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 19% of world imports), South Korea ($1.1B) and the Netherlands ($991M). World imports came to about $9.0B, 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.

HS code 2613 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 26 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (13) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.