HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7202.70 – Ferro-alloys; ferro-molybdenum
HS code 7202.70 is the 6-digit subheading for ferro-alloys, ferro-molybdenum. It is used for ferro-molybdenum lumps, ferro-molybdenum powder, high-purity ferro-molybdenum, low-carbon ferro-molybdenum and roasted molybdenum concentrate.
What HS 7202.70 covers
Ferro-molybdenum, classified under HS code 720270, is a critical ferro-alloy used to enhance the strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance of steel, particularly in high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels, tool steels, and stainless steels. Its applications span across the automotive, aerospace, energy, and construction sectors, where durable and high-performance materials are essential. Countries with advanced manufacturing and steel industries, such as China, the USA, and Germany, are significant importers. Major exporters include nations with substantial molybdenum mining and processing operations, like Chile, China, and the United States. The trade is influenced by global steel production trends, molybdenum prices, and technological advancements requiring specialized steel alloys.
- Covers
- Ferro-molybdenum lumps
- Ferro-molybdenum powder
- High-purity ferro-molybdenum
- Low-carbon ferro-molybdenum
- Roasted molybdenum concentrate
- Molybdenum briquettes
- Examples
- Codelco's ferro-molybdenum
- China Molybdenum's ferro-molybdenum
- Freeport-McMoRan's ferro-molybdenum
- Molymet's ferro-molybdenum
Codes often confused with 7202.70
Common mistake. It might be confused with unwrought molybdenum (8102) if the iron content is not clearly defined, or with other ferro-alloys if the specific alloy composition is unclear.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 720270, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720270 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 14% 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 South Korea $665M 25% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $375M 14% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $359M 13% of world exports
World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $359M 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $321M 12% of world imports
- 3 Italy $281M 11% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 7202.70
Brazil does not split HS 7202.70: its NCM code is 7202.70.00.
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 7202.70
What is HS code 720270?
HS code 720270 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ferro-alloys; ferro-molybdenum. Ferro-molybdenum, classified under HS code 720270, is a critical ferro-alloy used to enhance the strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance of steel, particularly in high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels, tool steels, and stainless steels. Its applications span across the automotive, aerospace, energy, and construction sectors, where durable and high-performance materials are essential. Countries with advanced manufacturing and steel industries, such as China, the USA, and Germany, are significant importers. Major exporters include nations with substantial molybdenum mining and processing operations, like Chile, China, and the United States. The trade is influenced by global steel production trends, molybdenum prices, and technological advancements requiring specialized steel alloys.
What products fall under HS code 720270?
Ferro-molybdenum lumps, Ferro-molybdenum powder, High-purity ferro-molybdenum, Low-carbon ferro-molybdenum, Roasted molybdenum concentrate, Molybdenum briquettes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 720270?
It might be confused with unwrought molybdenum (8102) if the iron content is not clearly defined, or with other ferro-alloys if the specific alloy composition is unclear.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720270?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720270 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($665M, 25% of world exports), the Netherlands ($375M) and Belgium ($359M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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 720270?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720270 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($359M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($321M) and Italy ($281M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 720270 structured?
HS code 720270 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 (70) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 720270?
In Brazil, HS code 720270 is NCM 7202.70.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.