HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7205.21 – Alloy steel powders
HS code 7205.21 is the 6-digit subheading for alloy steel powders. It is used for stainless steel powder, tool steel powder, high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel powder, nickel-based alloy powder and chromium steel powder.
What HS 7205.21 covers
This HS code specifically covers alloy steel powders, which are finely divided particles of steel containing specific alloying elements (e.g., nickel, chromium, molybdenum) to impart enhanced properties like strength, hardness, or corrosion resistance. These powders are critical raw materials for advanced manufacturing processes, particularly in powder metallurgy (PM) and additive manufacturing (3D printing), where complex geometries and high-performance components are produced. The global trade in alloy steel powders is driven by industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and tooling. Major importers are countries with advanced manufacturing sectors and significant R&D in materials science, including the USA, Germany, Japan, and China. Exporters are typically nations with sophisticated metallurgical industries and specialized powder production capabilities. Key considerations include particle size distribution, purity, flowability, and the specific alloy composition, all of which are crucial for the performance of the final manufactured parts. The market is characterized by high-value products and stringent quality requirements.
- Covers
- Stainless steel powder
- Tool steel powder
- High-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel powder
- Nickel-based alloy powder
- Chromium steel powder
- Molybdenum steel powder
- Maraging steel powder
- Examples
316L stainless steel powder for 3D printing, 17-4 PH stainless steel powder, H13 tool steel powder, Inconel 718 powder (though Inconel is nickel-based, it's often traded alongside alloy steels in PM), M2 tool steel powder
Codes often confused with 7205.21
Common mistake. This code is for alloy steel powders; it can be confused with 720529 (other iron/steel powders, non-alloy) if the specific alloy content is not identified, or with 720510 (granules) if the particle size distinction is not made.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 720521, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720521 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% 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 Japan $167M 22% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $137M 18% of world exports
- 3 China $78M 10% of world exports
World total: $764M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $190M 23% of world imports
- 2 Japan $137M 16% of world imports
- 3 United States $111M 13% of world imports
World total: $840M 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 7205.21
Brazil does not split HS 7205.21: its NCM code is 7205.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.05 →
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 7205.21
What is HS code 720521?
HS code 720521 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alloy steel powders. This HS code specifically covers alloy steel powders, which are finely divided particles of steel containing specific alloying elements (e.g., nickel, chromium, molybdenum) to impart enhanced properties like strength, hardness, or corrosion resistance. These powders are critical raw materials for advanced manufacturing processes, particularly in powder metallurgy (PM) and additive manufacturing (3D printing), where complex geometries and high-performance components are produced. The global trade in alloy steel powders is driven by industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and tooling. Major importers are countries with advanced manufacturing sectors and significant R&D in materials science, including the USA, Germany, Japan, and China. Exporters are typically nations with sophisticated metallurgical industries and specialized powder production capabilities. Key considerations include particle size distribution, purity, flowability, and the specific alloy composition, all of which are crucial for the performance of the final manufactured parts. The market is characterized by high-value products and stringent quality requirements.
What products fall under HS code 720521?
Stainless steel powder, Tool steel powder, High-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel powder, Nickel-based alloy powder, Chromium steel powder, Molybdenum steel powder, Maraging steel powder
What are common misclassifications for HS code 720521?
This code is for alloy steel powders; it can be confused with 720529 (other iron/steel powders, non-alloy) if the specific alloy content is not identified, or with 720510 (granules) if the particle size distinction is not made.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720521?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720521 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($167M, 22% of world exports), Sweden ($137M) and China ($78M). World exports came to about $764M, 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 720521?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720521 in UN Comtrade data were China ($190M, 23% of world imports), Japan ($137M) and the United States ($111M). World imports came to about $840M, 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 720521 structured?
HS code 720521 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) 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 720521?
In Brazil, HS code 720521 is NCM 7205.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.