HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7202.21 – Ferro-alloys; ferro-silicon, containing by weight more than 55% of silicon
HS code 7202.21 is the 6-digit subheading for ferro-alloys, ferro-silicon, containing by weight more than 55% of silicon. It is used for high-silicon ferrosilicon, feSi 75%, feSi 90%, atomized ferrosilicon and granulated ferrosilicon (high Si).
What HS 7202.21 covers
This category covers high-grade ferro-silicon, specifically those containing more than 55% silicon by weight. Ferro-silicon is a vital ferro-alloy primarily used in the steel and foundry industries as a deoxidizer, a graphitizing agent in cast iron, and an alloying element to improve the strength, hardness, and elasticity of steel. The high silicon content makes this particular grade highly effective for these applications, especially in the production of electrical steels, stainless steels, and other high-performance alloys. International trade is significant, with major steel-producing nations being the primary importers, seeking to enhance their metallurgical processes. Exporters are typically countries with abundant silica resources and access to affordable electricity, as ferro-silicon production is highly energy-intensive. Understanding the global steel market's health and energy prices is crucial for participants in this trade, as these factors directly impact demand and production costs.
- Covers
- High-silicon ferrosilicon
- FeSi 75%
- FeSi 90%
- Atomized ferrosilicon
- Granulated ferrosilicon (high Si)
- Ferrosilicon lumps (high Si)
- Silicon metal alloy
- Examples
- Elkem FeSi 75
- Rima Group high-silicon ferrosilicon
- Ferroglobe FeSi 75
- Erdos Ferrosilicon
Codes often confused with 7202.21
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 720229 (ferro-silicon with 55% or less silicon) due to the silicon content threshold, leading to different tariff rates and suitability for specific metallurgical applications. It should also be distinguished from pure silicon (280461).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 720221, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720221 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 19% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 11% of its exports here ($25M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $409M 15% of world exports
- 2 Norway $274M 10% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $270M 10% of world exports
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 11% of its exports here ($25M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $487M 19% of world imports
- 2 India $261M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $247M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $2.6B 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 7202.21
Brazil does not split HS 7202.21: its NCM code is 7202.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.02 →
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 7202.21
What is HS code 720221?
HS code 720221 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ferro-alloys; ferro-silicon, containing by weight more than 55% of silicon. This category covers high-grade ferro-silicon, specifically those containing more than 55% silicon by weight. Ferro-silicon is a vital ferro-alloy primarily used in the steel and foundry industries as a deoxidizer, a graphitizing agent in cast iron, and an alloying element to improve the strength, hardness, and elasticity of steel. The high silicon content makes this particular grade highly effective for these applications, especially in the production of electrical steels, stainless steels, and other high-performance alloys. International trade is significant, with major steel-producing nations being the primary importers, seeking to enhance their metallurgical processes. Exporters are typically countries with abundant silica resources and access to affordable electricity, as ferro-silicon production is highly energy-intensive. Understanding the global steel market's health and energy prices is crucial for participants in this trade, as these factors directly impact demand and production costs.
What products fall under HS code 720221?
High-silicon ferrosilicon, FeSi 75%, FeSi 90%, Atomized ferrosilicon, Granulated ferrosilicon (high Si), Ferrosilicon lumps (high Si), Silicon metal alloy
What are common misclassifications for HS code 720221?
This code can be confused with 720229 (ferro-silicon with 55% or less silicon) due to the silicon content threshold, leading to different tariff rates and suitability for specific metallurgical applications. It should also be distinguished from pure silicon (280461).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720221?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720221 in UN Comtrade data were China ($409M, 15% of world exports), Norway ($274M) and Brazil ($270M). World exports came to about $2.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 11% of its exports here ($25M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 720221?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720221 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($487M, 19% of world imports), India ($261M) and South Korea ($247M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 720221 structured?
HS code 720221 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 720221?
In Brazil, HS code 720221 is NCM 7202.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.