HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2617.90 – Ores and concentrates n.e.c. in chapter 26; other than antimony
HS code 2617.90 is the 6-digit subheading for ores and concentrates n.e.c. in chapter 26, other than antimony. It is used for titanium ore concentrate, zirconium ore concentrate, vanadium ore, niobium concentrate and tantalum ore.
What HS 2617.90 covers
This 'basket' HS code covers a diverse range of metallic ores and concentrates not elsewhere specified in Chapter 26, excluding antimony. This includes ores of strategic metals like titanium, zirconium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, and rare earth elements, among others. Trade in these materials is often niche but critical for high-tech industries such as aerospace, electronics, renewable energy, and specialized manufacturing. Importers are typically advanced industrial economies seeking specific raw materials for their high-value production, while exporters are countries endowed with unique geological resources. Due to their strategic importance, supply chain security, geopolitical factors, and environmental considerations in mining and processing significantly impact their international trade.
- Covers
- Titanium ore concentrate
- Zirconium ore concentrate
- Vanadium ore
- Niobium concentrate
- Tantalum ore
- Rare earth element concentrate
- Lithium ore concentrate
- Tungsten ore concentrate
- Examples
- Iluka Resources (Australia - zircon/titanium)
- Lynas Rare Earths (Australia - rare earths)
- AMG Critical Materials (Germany - tantalum/niobium)
- Rio Tinto (various specialty minerals)
Codes often confused with 2617.90
Common mistake. As a residual category, misclassification often occurs with more specific ore codes (2601-2616) if the primary metal is misidentified, or with 2846 (rare earth compounds) if processing has advanced beyond simple concentration.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 261790, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 261790 in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 75% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 74% of world imports. Austria reports $1.1B of its chapter 26 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $179M 75% of world exports
- 2 Rwanda* ~$12M 5.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Zambia* ~$9.0M 3.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $238M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $179M 74% of world imports
- 2 China $33M 13% of world imports
- 3 Chile $6.8M 2.8% of world imports
Austria reports $1.1B of its chapter 26 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $242M 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 2617.90
Brazil does not split HS 2617.90: its NCM code is 2617.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 26.17 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2617.90
What is HS code 261790?
HS code 261790 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ores and concentrates n.e.c. in chapter 26; other than antimony. This 'basket' HS code covers a diverse range of metallic ores and concentrates not elsewhere specified in Chapter 26, excluding antimony. This includes ores of strategic metals like titanium, zirconium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, and rare earth elements, among others. Trade in these materials is often niche but critical for high-tech industries such as aerospace, electronics, renewable energy, and specialized manufacturing. Importers are typically advanced industrial economies seeking specific raw materials for their high-value production, while exporters are countries endowed with unique geological resources. Due to their strategic importance, supply chain security, geopolitical factors, and environmental considerations in mining and processing significantly impact their international trade.
What products fall under HS code 261790?
Titanium ore concentrate, zirconium ore concentrate, vanadium ore, niobium concentrate, tantalum ore, rare earth element concentrate, lithium ore concentrate, tungsten ore concentrate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 261790?
As a residual category, misclassification often occurs with more specific ore codes (2601-2616) if the primary metal is misidentified, or with 2846 (rare earth compounds) if processing has advanced beyond simple concentration.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 261790?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 261790 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($179M, 75% of world exports), Rwanda (about $12M) and Zambia (about $9.0M). World exports came to about $238M, 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 261790?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 261790 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($179M, 74% of world imports), China ($33M) and Chile ($6.8M). World imports came to about $242M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $1.1B of its chapter 26 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 261790 structured?
HS code 261790 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (26) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (17) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 261790?
In Brazil, HS code 261790 is NCM 2617.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.