HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 7201.20 – Iron; non-alloy pig iron containing by weight more than 0.5% of phosphorus, in pigs, blocks or other primary forms

HS code 7201.20 is the 6-digit subheading for iron, non-alloy pig iron containing by weight more than 0.5% of phosphorus, in pigs, blocks or other primary forms. It is used for high-phosphorus pig iron ingots, foundry pig iron, basic pig iron with high P, nodular pig iron feedstock and cast iron precursor.

What HS 7201.20 covers

This category encompasses a specific type of non-alloy pig iron, distinguished by its relatively high phosphorus content (over 0.5% by weight). This material is a crucial intermediate product in the metallurgical industry, primarily used for producing certain types of cast iron, especially those requiring good fluidity and wear resistance, such as in the manufacture of engine blocks, brake drums, and other heavy castings. Its trade involves large industrial players, including foundries, steel mills, and specialized metal processors. Major importers are typically countries with robust manufacturing sectors, particularly automotive and heavy machinery industries, while exporters are often nations with significant iron ore mining and primary metal production capabilities. Key things to know include its role as a foundational raw material, the impact of global steel demand on its price and trade volumes, and the increasing scrutiny on its carbon footprint due to its energy-intensive production process, especially with initiatives like CBAM.

Covers
  • High-phosphorus pig iron ingots
  • Foundry pig iron
  • Basic pig iron with high P
  • Nodular pig iron feedstock
  • Cast iron precursor
  • Sintered pig iron blocks
  • Granulated pig iron (high P)
Examples
  • Tata Steel high-phosphorus pig iron
  • Baosteel foundry pig iron
  • ArcelorMittal basic pig iron
  • JFE Steel pig iron for castings

Codes often confused with 7201.20

Common mistake. This code can be confused with 720110 (non-alloy pig iron with less than 0.5% phosphorus) due to the subtle difference in phosphorus content, and 720150 (alloy pig iron) if other alloying elements are present, leading to incorrect duty calculations.

7201.10Iron; non-alloy pig iron containing by weight 0.5% or less of phosphorus, in pigs, blocks or other primary forms7201.50Iron; alloy pig iron; spiegeleisen, in pigs, blocks or other primary forms

Top exporters and importers of HS code 720120, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720120 in UN Comtrade data was Angola, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 54% 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. 1 Angola $9.4M
  2. 2 Germany $5.7M
  3. 3 China $3.5M

World total: $26M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Saudi Arabia $14M
  2. 2 Indonesia $2.3M
  3. 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$1.7M

World total: $26M 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 7201.20

Brazil does not split HS 7201.20: its NCM code is 7201.20.00.

  1. 7201.20.00 Non-alloy pig iron, phosphorus over 0.5%Ferro fundido bruto não ligado, que contenha, em peso, mais de 0,5 % de fósforo

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.01 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

EU Regulatory Requirements

This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.

Questions about HS 7201.20

What is HS code 720120?

HS code 720120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron; non-alloy pig iron containing by weight more than 0.5% of phosphorus, in pigs, blocks or other primary forms. This category encompasses a specific type of non-alloy pig iron, distinguished by its relatively high phosphorus content (over 0.5% by weight). This material is a crucial intermediate product in the metallurgical industry, primarily used for producing certain types of cast iron, especially those requiring good fluidity and wear resistance, such as in the manufacture of engine blocks, brake drums, and other heavy castings. Its trade involves large industrial players, including foundries, steel mills, and specialized metal processors. Major importers are typically countries with robust manufacturing sectors, particularly automotive and heavy machinery industries, while exporters are often nations with significant iron ore mining and primary metal production capabilities. Key things to know include its role as a foundational raw material, the impact of global steel demand on its price and trade volumes, and the increasing scrutiny on its carbon footprint due to its energy-intensive production process, especially with initiatives like CBAM.

What products fall under HS code 720120?

High-phosphorus pig iron ingots, Foundry pig iron, Basic pig iron with high P, Nodular pig iron feedstock, Cast iron precursor, Sintered pig iron blocks, Granulated pig iron (high P)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 720120?

This code can be confused with 720110 (non-alloy pig iron with less than 0.5% phosphorus) due to the subtle difference in phosphorus content, and 720150 (alloy pig iron) if other alloying elements are present, leading to incorrect duty calculations.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720120?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720120 in UN Comtrade data were Angola ($9.4M, 36% of world exports), Germany ($5.7M) and China ($3.5M). World exports came to about $26M, 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 720120?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720120 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($14M, 54% of world imports), Indonesia ($2.3M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $1.7M). World imports came to about $26M, 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 720120 structured?

HS code 720120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) 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 720120?

In Brazil, HS code 720120 is NCM 7201.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.