HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7218.99 – Steel, stainless; semi-finished products, other than of rectangular cross-section
HS code 7218.99 is the 6-digit subheading for steel, stainless, semi-finished products, other than of rectangular cross-section. It is used for stainless steel square billets, stainless steel round blooms, stainless steel hexagonal ingots, stainless steel octagonal bars (semi-finished) and stainless steel cast round sections.
What HS 7218.99 covers
This HS code encompasses semi-finished stainless steel products that have cross-sections other than rectangular, including square, round, hexagonal, or octagonal shapes. These intermediate forms are crucial inputs for various manufacturing processes, serving as raw materials for drawing into wire, forging into components, or rolling into specialized bars. Major steel-producing countries are the primary exporters, supplying these essential materials to global markets. Importers typically include specialized metal fabricators, automotive component manufacturers, and machinery producers who require specific stainless steel profiles for their high-performance applications. Traders must pay close attention to the exact alloy grade, surface finish, and dimensional precision, as these factors are critical for the subsequent processing and the integrity of the final product. The demand for durable, corrosion-resistant components across industries like aerospace, medical, and energy sustains the international trade in these versatile semi-finished stainless steel forms.
- Covers
- Stainless steel square billets
- Stainless steel round blooms
- Stainless steel hexagonal ingots
- Stainless steel octagonal bars (semi-finished)
- Stainless steel cast round sections
- Stainless steel pre-rolled square sections
- Examples
- Outokumpu square billets
- Aperam round blooms
- POSCO stainless hexagonal ingots
- ThyssenKrupp stainless round sections
- JFE Steel stainless square billets
Codes often confused with 7218.99
Common mistake. Misclassification can occur with finished stainless steel bars (7222) if the "semi-finished" aspect is overlooked, or with 721891 if the cross-section is mistakenly identified as non-square rectangular.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 721899, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 721899 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% 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 $368M 33% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $150M 13% of world exports
- 3 Italy $135M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $196M 16% of world imports
- 2 India $138M 11% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$133M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.2B 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 7218.99
Brazil does not split HS 7218.99: its NCM code is 7218.99.00.
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 7218.99
What is HS code 721899?
HS code 721899 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Steel, stainless; semi-finished products, other than of rectangular cross-section. This HS code encompasses semi-finished stainless steel products that have cross-sections other than rectangular, including square, round, hexagonal, or octagonal shapes. These intermediate forms are crucial inputs for various manufacturing processes, serving as raw materials for drawing into wire, forging into components, or rolling into specialized bars. Major steel-producing countries are the primary exporters, supplying these essential materials to global markets. Importers typically include specialized metal fabricators, automotive component manufacturers, and machinery producers who require specific stainless steel profiles for their high-performance applications. Traders must pay close attention to the exact alloy grade, surface finish, and dimensional precision, as these factors are critical for the subsequent processing and the integrity of the final product. The demand for durable, corrosion-resistant components across industries like aerospace, medical, and energy sustains the international trade in these versatile semi-finished stainless steel forms.
What products fall under HS code 721899?
Stainless steel square billets, Stainless steel round blooms, Stainless steel hexagonal ingots, Stainless steel octagonal bars (semi-finished), Stainless steel cast round sections, Stainless steel pre-rolled square sections
What are common misclassifications for HS code 721899?
Misclassification can occur with finished stainless steel bars (7222) if the "semi-finished" aspect is overlooked, or with 721891 if the cross-section is mistakenly identified as non-square rectangular.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 721899?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 721899 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($368M, 33% of world exports), Sweden ($150M) and Italy ($135M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 721899?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 721899 in UN Comtrade data were China ($196M, 16% of world imports), India ($138M) and Taiwan (about $133M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 721899 structured?
HS code 721899 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 (99) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 721899?
In Brazil, HS code 721899 is NCM 7218.99.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.