HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7314.50 – Iron or steel; expanded metal
HS code 7314.50 is the 6-digit subheading for iron or steel, expanded metal. It is used for standard expanded metal mesh, flattened expanded metal, expanded metal walkways, security expanded metal panels and expanded metal grates.
What HS 7314.50 covers
This HS code covers expanded metal made from iron or steel. Expanded metal is a unique product created by slitting and stretching a solid sheet of metal, forming a mesh-like material without any welds or interlocks. This process results in a strong, lightweight, and cost-effective product with a high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent airflow properties. It is widely utilized in construction for walkways, platforms, security screens, grates, and reinforcement; in automotive applications for grilles and filters; and in architectural designs for facades and decorative elements. Importers include construction companies, industrial manufacturers, and architectural firms seeking versatile and durable materials. Exporters are typically countries with robust steel industries and specialized expanded metal manufacturing capabilities. Key trading considerations involve the material's gauge, the size and shape of the mesh openings (e.g., standard, flattened), and the overall sheet dimensions. The absence of welds makes it particularly resistant to unraveling, a critical advantage in many applications. Understanding the specific load-bearing requirements and aesthetic preferences is crucial for successful trade.
- Covers
- Standard expanded metal mesh
- Flattened expanded metal
- Expanded metal walkways
- Security expanded metal panels
- Expanded metal grates
- Architectural expanded metal facades
- Expanded metal filters
- Examples
- McNichols Co. expanded metal
- Nucor expanded metal
- Expanded Metal Company
- Grating Pacific expanded metal
- Metalex expanded metal
Codes often confused with 7314.50
Common mistake. This code is distinct from other wire mesh codes (e.g., 731431, 731441) because expanded metal is made from a solid sheet, not from woven or welded wires, which is a fundamental manufacturing difference.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 731450, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 731450 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 $115M 32% of world exports
- 2 Italy $66M 19% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $27M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $353M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $44M 13% of world imports
- 2 France $34M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $25M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $346M 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 7314.50
Brazil does not split HS 7314.50: its NCM code is 7314.50.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 73.14 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 7314.50
What is HS code 731450?
HS code 731450 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron or steel; expanded metal. This HS code covers expanded metal made from iron or steel. Expanded metal is a unique product created by slitting and stretching a solid sheet of metal, forming a mesh-like material without any welds or interlocks. This process results in a strong, lightweight, and cost-effective product with a high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent airflow properties. It is widely utilized in construction for walkways, platforms, security screens, grates, and reinforcement; in automotive applications for grilles and filters; and in architectural designs for facades and decorative elements. Importers include construction companies, industrial manufacturers, and architectural firms seeking versatile and durable materials. Exporters are typically countries with robust steel industries and specialized expanded metal manufacturing capabilities. Key trading considerations involve the material's gauge, the size and shape of the mesh openings (e.g., standard, flattened), and the overall sheet dimensions. The absence of welds makes it particularly resistant to unraveling, a critical advantage in many applications. Understanding the specific load-bearing requirements and aesthetic preferences is crucial for successful trade.
What products fall under HS code 731450?
Standard expanded metal mesh, Flattened expanded metal, Expanded metal walkways, Security expanded metal panels, Expanded metal grates, Architectural expanded metal facades, Expanded metal filters
What are common misclassifications for HS code 731450?
This code is distinct from other wire mesh codes (e.g., 731431, 731441) because expanded metal is made from a solid sheet, not from woven or welded wires, which is a fundamental manufacturing difference.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 731450?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 731450 in UN Comtrade data were China ($115M, 32% of world exports), Italy ($66M) and Mexico ($27M). World exports came to about $353M, 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 731450?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 731450 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($44M, 13% of world imports), France ($34M) and Germany ($25M). World imports came to about $346M, 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 731450 structured?
HS code 731450 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (73) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (14) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 731450?
In Brazil, HS code 731450 is NCM 7314.50.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.