HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7208.51 – Iron or non-alloy steel; (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, without patterns in relief, of a thickness exceeding 10mm
HS code 7208.51 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or non-alloy steel, (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, without patterns in relief, of a thickness exceeding 10mm. It is used for heavy steel plate, structural steel plate, shipbuilding plate, boiler plate and pressure vessel plate.
What HS 7208.51 covers
This HS code pertains to hot-rolled flat products of non-alloy steel, supplied as individual sheets or plates (not in coils), with a width of 600mm or more, without surface patterns, and a substantial thickness exceeding 10mm. These heavy-gauge plates are fundamental structural components in heavy industries. Major importers and exporters include large steel manufacturers, heavy engineering firms, shipyards, construction companies for large-scale projects, and manufacturers of industrial machinery. The trade is characterized by high volume, specialized logistics for heavy goods, and strict adherence to engineering specifications for strength, weldability, and impact resistance. Global infrastructure projects, energy sector investments, and shipbuilding activities are key demand drivers. Price volatility, anti-dumping measures, and environmental compliance, including CBAM, are significant factors influencing market dynamics.
- Covers
- Heavy steel plate
- Structural steel plate
- Shipbuilding plate
- Boiler plate
- Pressure vessel plate
- Bridge steel plate
- Thick hot-rolled sheet
- Examples
- ArcelorMittal Heavy Plate
- POSCO Shipbuilding Plate
- Nippon Steel Structural Plate
- Nucor Plate Mill Plate
Codes often confused with 7208.51
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 720852 (thinner plates) or 720837 (coiled products of similar thickness), where the distinction lies in the form (plate vs. coil) and the precise thickness threshold.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 720851, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 720851 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 6.8% 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 China $3.2B 25% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $1.7B 13% of world exports
- 3 Japan $1.4B 11% of world exports
World total: $12.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $907M 6.8% of world imports
- 2 Germany $863M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$745M 5.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $13.3B 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 7208.51
Brazil does not split HS 7208.51: its NCM code is 7208.51.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.08 →
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 7208.51
What is HS code 720851?
HS code 720851 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or non-alloy steel; (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, without patterns in relief, of a thickness exceeding 10mm. This HS code pertains to hot-rolled flat products of non-alloy steel, supplied as individual sheets or plates (not in coils), with a width of 600mm or more, without surface patterns, and a substantial thickness exceeding 10mm. These heavy-gauge plates are fundamental structural components in heavy industries. Major importers and exporters include large steel manufacturers, heavy engineering firms, shipyards, construction companies for large-scale projects, and manufacturers of industrial machinery. The trade is characterized by high volume, specialized logistics for heavy goods, and strict adherence to engineering specifications for strength, weldability, and impact resistance. Global infrastructure projects, energy sector investments, and shipbuilding activities are key demand drivers. Price volatility, anti-dumping measures, and environmental compliance, including CBAM, are significant factors influencing market dynamics.
What products fall under HS code 720851?
Heavy steel plate, structural steel plate, shipbuilding plate, boiler plate, pressure vessel plate, bridge steel plate, thick hot-rolled sheet
What are common misclassifications for HS code 720851?
This code is often confused with 720852 (thinner plates) or 720837 (coiled products of similar thickness), where the distinction lies in the form (plate vs. coil) and the precise thickness threshold.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 720851?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 720851 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.2B, 25% of world exports), South Korea ($1.7B) and Japan ($1.4B). World exports came to about $12.7B, 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 720851?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 720851 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($907M, 6.8% of world imports), Germany ($863M) and Vietnam (about $745M). World imports came to about $13.3B, 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 720851 structured?
HS code 720851 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (51) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 720851?
In Brazil, HS code 720851 is NCM 7208.51.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.