HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7207.20 – Iron or non-alloy steel; semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight 0.25% or more of carbon
HS code 7207.20 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or non-alloy steel, semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight 0.25% or more of carbon. It is used for high carbon steel billets, tool steel blooms, spring steel slabs, wire rod for high-strength wires and forging stock for machinery parts.
What HS 7207.20 covers
This HS code covers semi-finished products of non-alloy steel containing 0.25% or more of carbon by weight. The higher carbon content imparts increased strength, hardness, and wear resistance, making these products suitable for more demanding applications compared to their low-carbon counterparts. These semi-finished forms, such as high-carbon billets, blooms, and slabs, are critical inputs for manufacturing tools, springs, high-strength wires, and various machinery components. They are traded globally by specialized steel manufacturers to industries requiring robust and durable steel. Countries with advanced metallurgical capabilities, particularly in Europe and Asia, are prominent in both producing and exporting these higher-value steel intermediates, catering to sectors like automotive, heavy machinery, and construction.
- Covers
- High carbon steel billets
- Tool steel blooms
- Spring steel slabs
- Wire rod for high-strength wires
- Forging stock for machinery parts
- Rail steel blanks
- Examples
- ThyssenKrupp high carbon billets
- Voestalpine tool steel blooms
- Sandvik specialty steel sections
- Ovako spring steel stock
Codes often confused with 7207.20
Common mistake. The primary distinction is the carbon content (0.25% or more) from the 72071x series (less than 0.25%). Misclassification often occurs if carbon content is not precisely known or tested.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 720720, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720720 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 23% 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 48% of its exports here ($274M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Taiwan 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 53% of its imports here ($320M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.0B 51% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$267M 6.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Japan $248M 6.4% 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 48% of its exports here ($274M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $867M 23% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $340M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $327M 8.5% of world imports
Taiwan 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 53% of its imports here ($320M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $3.9B 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 7207.20
Brazil does not split HS 7207.20: its NCM code is 7207.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.07 →
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 7207.20
What is HS code 720720?
HS code 720720 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or non-alloy steel; semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, containing by weight 0.25% or more of carbon. This HS code covers semi-finished products of non-alloy steel containing 0.25% or more of carbon by weight. The higher carbon content imparts increased strength, hardness, and wear resistance, making these products suitable for more demanding applications compared to their low-carbon counterparts. These semi-finished forms, such as high-carbon billets, blooms, and slabs, are critical inputs for manufacturing tools, springs, high-strength wires, and various machinery components. They are traded globally by specialized steel manufacturers to industries requiring robust and durable steel. Countries with advanced metallurgical capabilities, particularly in Europe and Asia, are prominent in both producing and exporting these higher-value steel intermediates, catering to sectors like automotive, heavy machinery, and construction.
What products fall under HS code 720720?
High carbon steel billets, Tool steel blooms, Spring steel slabs, Wire rod for high-strength wires, Forging stock for machinery parts, Rail steel blanks
What are common misclassifications for HS code 720720?
The primary distinction is the carbon content (0.25% or more) from the 72071x series (less than 0.25%). Misclassification often occurs if carbon content is not precisely known or tested.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720720?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720720 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 51% of world exports), Vietnam (about $267M) and Japan ($248M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 48% of its exports here ($274M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 720720?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720720 in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($867M, 23% of world imports), Indonesia ($340M) and Thailand ($327M). World imports came to about $3.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan 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 53% of its imports here ($320M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 720720 structured?
HS code 720720 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (07) 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 720720?
In Brazil, HS code 720720 is NCM 7207.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.