HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2708.20 – Pitch coke; obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars
HS code 2708.20 is the 6-digit subheading for pitch coke, obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars. It is used for coal tar pitch coke, anode grade pitch coke, specialty pitch coke, calcined pitch coke and graphite precursor.
What HS 2708.20 covers
This HS code pertains to pitch coke, a high-carbon, low-ash solid material obtained by the carbonization of coal tar pitch or other mineral tars. Pitch coke is highly valued for its excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, making it a crucial raw material in the production of prebaked anodes for aluminum smelting. It is also used in the manufacturing of graphite electrodes for electric arc furnaces, specialty carbon products, and as a recarburizer in the steel industry. The trade of pitch coke is driven by the global demand for aluminum and steel, as well as the advanced carbon materials sector. Key players include specialized carbon manufacturers and metallurgical industries worldwide.
- Covers
- Coal tar pitch coke
- Anode grade pitch coke
- Specialty pitch coke
- Calcined pitch coke
- Graphite precursor
- Carbon electrode material
- Examples
- Rain Carbon Pitch Coke
- Koppers Pitch Coke
- GrafTech Pitch Coke
Codes often confused with 2708.20
Common mistake. Pitch coke is often confused with petroleum coke (2713.11 or 2713.12) due to similar applications, but the origin (coal tar vs. petroleum) is the key differentiator for classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 270820, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 270820 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world imports. The Netherlands reports $17.6B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $39M 49% of world exports
- 2 Japan $25M 32% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $8.0M 10% of world exports
World total: $79M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $60M 49% of world imports
- 2 Mozambique $26M 21% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $8.2M 6.8% of world imports
The Netherlands reports $17.6B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $122M 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 code for 2708.20
Brazil does not split HS 2708.20: its NCM code is 2708.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 27.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2708.20
What is HS code 270820?
HS code 270820 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pitch coke; obtained from coal tar or from other mineral tars. This HS code pertains to pitch coke, a high-carbon, low-ash solid material obtained by the carbonization of coal tar pitch or other mineral tars. Pitch coke is highly valued for its excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, making it a crucial raw material in the production of prebaked anodes for aluminum smelting. It is also used in the manufacturing of graphite electrodes for electric arc furnaces, specialty carbon products, and as a recarburizer in the steel industry. The trade of pitch coke is driven by the global demand for aluminum and steel, as well as the advanced carbon materials sector. Key players include specialized carbon manufacturers and metallurgical industries worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 270820?
Coal tar pitch coke, anode grade pitch coke, specialty pitch coke, calcined pitch coke, graphite precursor, carbon electrode material
What are common misclassifications for HS code 270820?
Pitch coke is often confused with petroleum coke (2713.11 or 2713.12) due to similar applications, but the origin (coal tar vs. petroleum) is the key differentiator for classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 270820?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 270820 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($39M, 49% of world exports), Japan ($25M) and the Netherlands ($8.0M). World exports came to about $79M, 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 270820?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 270820 in UN Comtrade data were China ($60M, 49% of world imports), Mozambique ($26M) and South Korea ($8.2M). World imports came to about $122M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The Netherlands reports $17.6B of its chapter 27 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 270820 structured?
HS code 270820 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (27) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 270820?
In Brazil, HS code 270820 is NCM 2708.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.