HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7218.91 – Steel, stainless; semi-finished products, of rectangular (other than square) cross-section
HS code 7218.91 is the 6-digit subheading for steel, stainless, semi-finished products, of rectangular (other than square) cross-section. It is used for stainless steel rectangular slabs, stainless steel rectangular blooms, stainless steel rectangular billets, stainless steel ingots (rectangular, non-square) and stainless steel pre-rolled rectangular sections.
What HS 7218.91 covers
This HS code covers stainless steel in its semi-finished state, specifically products with a rectangular cross-section that is not square. These are intermediate forms, such as slabs or blooms, which are destined for further processing like hot rolling into plates, sheets, or strips. International trade in these goods is dominated by major steel-producing nations and large industrial consumers. Steel mills and metal fabricators are the primary importers, seeking raw materials for their downstream manufacturing processes, while integrated steel producers are the main exporters. Key considerations for traders include the specific alloy composition (e.g., austenitic, ferritic), surface quality, and dimensional tolerances, as these directly impact the suitability for subsequent manufacturing steps and the final product's performance. The global demand for corrosion-resistant materials in construction, automotive, and industrial machinery drives the trade in these essential semi-finished products.
- Covers
- Stainless steel rectangular slabs
- Stainless steel rectangular blooms
- Stainless steel rectangular billets
- Stainless steel ingots (rectangular, non-square)
- Stainless steel pre-rolled rectangular sections
- Stainless steel cast rectangular blanks
- Examples
- Outokumpu rectangular slabs
- Aperam rectangular blooms
- POSCO stainless rectangular billets
- ThyssenKrupp stainless ingots
- ArcelorMittal stainless rectangular sections
Codes often confused with 7218.91
Common mistake. This code is often confused with finished stainless steel bars (7222) due to similar shapes, but the "semi-finished" nature is key. It also differs from 721899, which covers other non-rectangular or square semi-finished cross-sections.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 721891, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 721891 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 71% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 47% 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 Indonesia $2.0B 71% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $402M 14% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $129M 4.5% of world exports
World total: $2.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $1.1B 47% of world imports
- 2 Italy $495M 20% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$320M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $2.4B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 7218.91
Brazil does not split HS 7218.91: its NCM code is 7218.91.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 72.18 →
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 7218.91
What is HS code 721891?
HS code 721891 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Steel, stainless; semi-finished products, of rectangular (other than square) cross-section. This HS code covers stainless steel in its semi-finished state, specifically products with a rectangular cross-section that is not square. These are intermediate forms, such as slabs or blooms, which are destined for further processing like hot rolling into plates, sheets, or strips. International trade in these goods is dominated by major steel-producing nations and large industrial consumers. Steel mills and metal fabricators are the primary importers, seeking raw materials for their downstream manufacturing processes, while integrated steel producers are the main exporters. Key considerations for traders include the specific alloy composition (e.g., austenitic, ferritic), surface quality, and dimensional tolerances, as these directly impact the suitability for subsequent manufacturing steps and the final product's performance. The global demand for corrosion-resistant materials in construction, automotive, and industrial machinery drives the trade in these essential semi-finished products.
What products fall under HS code 721891?
Stainless steel rectangular slabs, Stainless steel rectangular blooms, Stainless steel rectangular billets, Stainless steel ingots (rectangular, non-square), Stainless steel pre-rolled rectangular sections, Stainless steel cast rectangular blanks
What are common misclassifications for HS code 721891?
This code is often confused with finished stainless steel bars (7222) due to similar shapes, but the "semi-finished" nature is key. It also differs from 721899, which covers other non-rectangular or square semi-finished cross-sections.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 721891?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 721891 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($2.0B, 71% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($402M) and Belgium ($129M). World exports came to about $2.9B, 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 721891?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 721891 in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.1B, 47% of world imports), Italy ($495M) and Taiwan (about $320M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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 721891 structured?
HS code 721891 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (72) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (18) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 721891?
In Brazil, HS code 721891 is NCM 7218.91.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.